THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 

MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


THE 


AMERICAN  REFORMED 

HORSE  BOOK. 

A  TREATISE  ON  THE 

CAUSES,  SYMPTOMS,  AND  CURE 

OF  ALL  THE  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE,  INCLUDING 
EVERY  DISEASE  PECULIAR  TO  AMERICA. 

ALSO  EMBRACING  FULL  INFORMATION  Ojm 

BREEDING,  REARING,  AND  MANAGEMENT. 

DESIGNED  FOR  POPULAR  USE* 


O 


B\  Prof.  GEO.  H.  DADD,  V.  S., 

iKtte  Prof,  of  Anatomy  and  Physiology  in  the  Veterinary  Institute  of  CTUttMlf 
Author  of  the  "  Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the  Horse,'  eic. 


ELEGANTLY  ILLUSTRATED. 


NEW  YORK: 
ORANGE    JU1313    CONIPANV 

53   LAFAYETTE    PLACE, 
1008 


/ 


Entered  according  to  A.ct  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1869,  bv 

R.    W.    CARROLL    &    CO., 

In  the  Clerk  s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  Ohio. 


^-  ::>  h  ^  ::) 


PREFACE. 


AMERICANS  rank  high  in  the  estimation  of  the  scientific 
world  for  their  genius  and  industry  in  the  great  work  of 
intellectual,  moral,  and  scientific  improvements.  See  what  has 
occurred  in  the  arts  of  printing,  electrotyping,  etc.  The  eloquence 
of  the  great  literary  magicians  of  the  New  World,  the  honored 
graduates  of  free  institutions  and  free  schools,  no  sooner  falls  from 
their  lips  than  the  phonographist  transfers  it  to  paper,  the  nimble 
fingers  of  the  compositor  puts  it  into  "  form ; "  next  the  "  battery  " 
deposits  on  the  face  of  the  type  a  more  durable  coating  of  copper, 
and  "  Hoe's  press"  sends  off  "  impressions"  with  almost  magical 
rapidity.  No  less  surprising  are  the  wonderful  feats  performed 
by  American  mechanics,  in  the  construction  of  fast  yachts  and 
steamers,  which  often  })luck  a  laurel  from  the  so-called  "  Mistress 
of  the  Sea ;"  and  old  "Uncle  John"  gives  us  due  credit  for  per- 
fecting a  race  of  fast  trotters  that  can  beat  the  world  of  horse- 
fiesh. 

Improvements  in  every  department  of  Science  and  Art  are  con- 
stantly treading  on  the  heels  of  improvement;  yet,  as  regards  the 
science  of  Veterinary  Medicine  and  Surgery,  America  seems  almost 
the  last  among  civilized  nations  to  put  her  shoulder  to  the  wheel. 
What  can  be  the  reason?  Her  youth  may  be  offered  as  a  plea 
foi  excuses.  The  daughter  of  the  Old  World  has  not  yet,  in  this 
department,  arrived  at  years  of  discretion  ;  she  is  yet  in  her  teens. 
Her  sons  have  borne  the  heat  and  burden  of  the  day  in  establish- 
ing their  lilx-rty,  in  founding  cities,  extending  commerce,  and  in 
taming  the  wild  face  of  soil,  by  uprooting  the  giant  oak,  and  in 
clearing  away  the  forest,  so  that  the  husbandman,  with  ])low  and 
harrow  in  hand,  might  follow  t)ii,  and  next  impregnate  mother 

(iii) 

M370501 


PREFACE. 

earth  with  germs  for  fructificatiou,  which^  in  the  day  of  the  har^ 
vest  thereof,  might  be  gathered  and  garnered  lor  the  benefit  of 
man  and  the  inferior  orders  of  creation. 

And  long  ere  the  %voodman's  ax  ceases  to  vibrate  its  clear 
stroke-notes  in  the  ears  of  the  new  settlers,  a  giant  enterprise  ia 
in  contemplation.  Space  and  distance  must  be  comparatively  an- 
nihilated; the  iron  horse,  with  his  lungs  of  steel  and  breath  of 
steam,  must  have  his  highway  and  byway,  and  the  result  is,  the 
choice  spirits  of  progression  have  been  earnestly  engaged  in  dot- 
ting a  vast  surface  of  United  States  Territory  with  a  magnificent 
net-work  of  railway  and  telegraphic  wire ;  and  various  other  en- 
terprises, with  which  the  reader  is  familiar,  have  so  occupied  the 
American  mind,  that  the  Science  of  Life,  as  it  applies  to  animals, 
has  been  almost  at  a  stand-still. 

In  the  prosecution  of  these  objects,  so  essential  as  they  have 
proved  in  the  economy  of  an  infant  republic,  it  is  not  surprifi- 
ing  that  our  science  should  fail  to  receive  attention,  and  that 
America  should  be  in  the  rear  of  the  veterinary  squadrons  of 
the  Old  World ;  yet,  notwithstanding  this  seeming  indifference), 
veterinary  science  does,  in  some  parts  of  this  country,  occupy  as 
high  a  platform  as  that  which  obtained  in  England,  about  seventy 
years  ago,  when  the  Apostle  of  Mercy,  St.  Bel,  first  landed  oa 
British  soil. 

The  science  which  we  here  advocate  is  as  valuable  and  chari- 
table to  nature's  menials,  for  the  purpose  of  ministering  to  their 
physical  wants,  relieving  their  aches  and  pains,  and  of  prolong- 
ing their  lives,  as  that  practiced  on  the  more  noble  of  created  life; 
and,  at  the  present  day,  testimony  can  be  produced  going  to  show 
that  among  us  can  be  found  "  good  Samaritans  "  w^ho  are  alwayr 
ready  to  minister  to  the  wants  of  the  inferior  orders  of  creation— 
a  work  as  acceptable  to  the  God  of  Nature,  and  as  creditable  tc 
manhood,  as  when  the  welfare  of  one  of  us  is  concerned.  And 
should  we  estimate  the  science  in  exact  ratio  to  the  value  and  use- 
fulness of  the  legion  host  of  domestic  animals  that  have  been 
reared  in  this  country,  and  those  which,  without  regard  to  cost, 
have  been  imported,  to  whose  welfare  it  directly  contributes,  the 
reader  will  readily  perceive  that  it  is  entitled  to  the  consideration 
and  support  of  a  nation  of  husbandmen. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  a  knowledge  of  the  principles 
of  veterinary  medicine  can  not  be  acquired  without  diligent  stud^ 


PREFACE.  V 

and  close  application.  It  is  only  the  property  of  the  industrious 
and  devoted  student. 

In  order  to  acquire  the  necessary  tact,  skill,  and  experience  for 
the  practice  of  our  art,  some  of  the  shining  lights — the  early  dis- 
ciples— have  spent  the  J\Iay-day  of  their  existence  in  solving  its 
prol)lems,  and,  when  near  its  close,  have  declared,  with  a  modesty 
indicative  of  true  genius,  that  their  education  was  yet  incomplete. 

Such  testimony  goes  to  show  that  there  is  no  republican  nor 
royal  road  to  veterinary  knowledge.  In  fact,  after  a  man  has 
perseveringly  pursued  the  routine  studies  of  the  most  popular  col- 
legiate institutions,  he  may  still  be  found  "  wanting." 

Let  us  contemplate  for  a  moment  the  superior  advantages  which 
human  practitioners  have  over  our  craftsmen,  both  as  regards 
their  scientific  qualifications  and  the  superior  means  at  their  com- 
mand for  ascertaining  the  character,  location,  and  intensity  of  the 
various  maladies  peculiar  to  the  human  race.  For  example,  the 
])ractitioner  of  human  medicine,  if  he  has  been  a  faithful  and  in- 
dustrious student,  enters  upon  the  active  duties  of  his  profession, 
Laving  acquired  a  valuable  fund  of  knowledge  of  anatomy,  phys- 
iology, pathology,  and  other  necessary  branches  of  study ;  and, 
having  disciplined  his  mind  in  the  regular  school,  and  in  that  of 
o,x])erience,  he  is  expected  to  be  able  to  rejoice  in  the  possession  of 
a  well-trained  mind,  M-liich  enables  him  to  understand  and  inter- 
pret the  physiological  laws  which  preserve  health  and  life  in  the 
constitution  of  organized  beings;  also  to  comprehend  the  why  and 
wherefore  of  disease;  to  be  able  to  institute  sanitary  and  other  reg- 
ulations, and  to  select  suitable  medicinal  preparations,  in  view  of 
iieeting  the  various  indications  of  each  and  every  form  of  disease. 
And  when  a  man  becomes  the  subject  of  sickness,  and  the  doctor 
is  called  upon  to  exercise  his  skill,  the  latter  receives  valuable  aid, 
in  view  of  making  a  correct  diagnosis,  from  the  patient  and  his 
friends.  Each  can  be  (questioned,  and  their  responses  throw  con- 
siderable light  on  the  history  and  nature  of  the  malady.  Xow, 
as  regards  the  latter  advantages,  they  have  no  parallel  with  the 
men  of  our  craft.  Our  patients  are  deprived  of  the  power  of 
speech,  and  we  can  only  judge  of  the  state  of  their  health,  and 
the  nature  of  their  maladies,  by  signs  revealed  or  elicited  through 
physical  exploration.  We  have  other  difficulties  to  encounter  of 
no  less  magnitude.  For  exam])le,  our  })atients  are  often  located 
in  situations  unfit  for  a  well  animal  to  reside  in,  and  they  do  not 


VI  PREFACE. 

always  receive  that  attention  from  their  owners  which  the  urgency 
of  the  case  demands.  In  fact,  the  good  nursing,  kind  attention, 
€tc.,  which  often  proves  of  so  much  vakie  in  the  restoration  from 
sickness  of  one  of  our  race,  is  often  denied  tlie  inferior  creature ; 
and  otlier  matters,  too  numerous  to  mention  at  tlie  present  time, 
tend  to  show  the  advantages  which  our  brethren  of  a  sister  science 
have  over  us,  and  how  necessary  and  important  it  is  that  a  prac- 
titioner of  our  art  shoukl  be  thorough  master  of  his  profession. 
It  is  a  himentable  fact  that  the  great  majority  of  our  husband- 
men have  not  hitherto  realized  that  the  superstructure  of  veterin- 
ary science  rests  on  the  same  intelligent  basis  as  that  of  human 
medicine ;  but  such  is  really  the  case.  In  the  language  of  the  la- 
mented Percivall,  we  are  assured  that  "  %vhether  we  prescribe  for 
a  man,  horse,  or  any  animal,  the  laws  of  the  animal  economy  are 
the  same ;  all  require  the  same  treatment,"  that  is  to  say,  thff 
propositions  for  restoration  are  all  founded  on  the  same  intelligent 
basis. 

The  importance,  therefore,  of  educating  men  for  the  profession, 
and  of  furnishing  reliable  works  for  study,  is  very  evident ;  and 
the  necessity  is  further  illustrated  in  the  daily  experience  of  those 
persons  who,  as  a  matter  of  necessity,  are  obliged  to  do  the  best 
they  can  for  the  sick  and  dying  of  their  flocks  and  herds,  having 
no  knowledge  of  those  advantages  which  a  thorough  course  of 
training  affords.  Such  persons  must,  necessarily,  feel  that  they  are 
groping  in  darkness,  and  when  a  ray  of  light  does  flit  across  their 
medical  path,  it  only  serves  to  make  them  better  acquainted  with 
their  own  want  of  skill.  Persons  thus  circumstanced,  unable  ito 
procure  the  services  of  a  good  veterinary  surgeon,  in  consequence 
of  a  scarcity  of  the  "  genuine  material,"  are  often  comjielled  to 
assume  the  responsibility  and  risk  of  medical  attendant ;  and,  no 
doubt,  they  prescribe  with  good  intention  and  honesty  of  purpose, 
/but  disease  and  death  has  the  vantage  of  them,  for  they  know  not 
the  modes  of  pathological  warfare,  nor  are  they  acquainted  with 
means  best  calculated  to  insure  a  favorable  issue;  and  they  will 
certainly  hail,  as  a  great  blessing,  any  and  every  effort  to  im- 
])rove  our  veterinary  literature,  and  thus  diffuse  knowledge  so 
sadly  needed. 

It  is  well  known  that  ])rior  to  the  introduction  of  a  rational 
system  of  veterinary  medicine  in  the  mother  country,  millions  of 
domestic  animals  were  annually  sacrificed  at  the  shrine  of  igno- 


PREFACE.  Vli 

rance ;  but  scienee  came  to  the  rescue,  and  now  some  of  the  dis- 
cipU-s  of  St.  Bel,  Coleman,  their  co-workers  and  kindred  spirits, 
can,  by  the  aid  of  their  vast  materia  medica,  their  ansesthetic 
agents,  scalpel,  etc.,  accomplish  unheard  of  wonders.  We  are 
now  w(/rlving  to  dispel  the  awful  cloud  of  ignorance  and  su])er- 
stition  \NliIch  has  too  long  lingered  around  the  stal)le  and  barn. 
We  aim  to  illuminate  the  dark  spots  that  have  existed  for  many- 
hundreds  of  years,  and  to  obliterate  the  false  theories  tliat  have 
been  handed  down  to  us  by  the  Egyptians  and  Arabians,  and  the 
modern  jiigglerv  of  this  science. 

There  never  vas  a  period  in  the  history  of  the  United  States 
when  the  services  of  educated  veterinarians  were  so  much  needed 
as  at  the  present  thne;  for  the  live  stock  of  this  country  do  not 
enjoy  immunity  from  those  pestiferous  epizootic  maladies  which 
have  formerly  operated  as  a  withering  simoom  on  the  enterprise 
of  British  husbandmen  in  the  breeding  and  raising  of  live  stock. 
For  example :  the  people  of  the  Western  States  complain  that  a 
disease  occasionally  makes  its  appearance  among  cattle,  to  which 
they  have  applied  the  name  of  "  trembles,"  or  "  milk  sickness," 
and  it  has  so  scourged  both  the  superior  and  inferior  orders  of 
creation,  that  the  former  have  often  abandoned  the  old  homestead, 
in  view  of  seeking  a  location  where  there  seemed  to  be  some  pros- 
pect of  enjoying  immunity  from  the  pestilential  scourge.  A  con- 
tagious and  infectious  disease  often  prevails  among  swine,  carry- 
ing them  off  by  hundreds  and  by  thousands,  yet  many  of  us  are  in 
the  dark  regarding  its  cause,  nature,  and  treatment.  Typhoid 
affections,  puerperal  fever,  apoi)lexy,  and  dropsy  of  the  brain  are 
just  as  prevalent  here  as  in  England.  Miscarriage  or  abortion  is 
fearfully  on  the  increase.  Diseases  of  climatic  origin  are  more 
rife  in  this  country  than  in  England.  This  is,  perhaps,  owing  to 
the  diversity  which  exists  in  the  climatic  temperature  of  our  vast 
territory,  and  to  our  various  faulty  modes  of  management.  In  fact, 
there  is  scarcely  any  disease  known  to  veterinarians  of  the  Old 
World  but  that  has  prevailed  in  the  Xew. 

We  must  have  reliable  text-books  and  educated  surgeons,  in 
order  to  understand  the  nature  and  treatment  of  the  diseases  in- 
cidental to  domestic  animals.  It  is  not  only  a  matter  of  national, 
but  of  individual,  policy  and  interest;  and  should  we  view  the 
matter  with  the  eyes  of  business  men,  we  shall  see  that  such  en- 
terprise must  surely  pay. 


VIU  PREFACE. 

Persons  who  have  paid  any  attention  to  the  rise  and  progress 
of  veterinary  science  in  this  country,  are  painfully  aware  of  its 
great  imperfections,  and  the  author's  object  in  preparing  this  work 
is  to  endeavor  to  lessen  and  remove  them,  by  giving  the  reader 
the  benefit  of  an  experience  which  extends  through  a  period  of 
twenty-five  years. 

In  view  of  furnishing  reliable  information,  and  of  showing  how 
little  of  medicine  is  required  for  the  treatment  of  various  forms 
of  disease,  a  number  of  cases,  recorded  in  the  author's  note-book, 
are  introduced  in  various  parts  of  the  work.  These  cases  may, 
perhaps,  also  give  the  unprejudiced  reader  juster  views  of  the 
relations  of  nature  and  art  to  diseases ;  for  it  is  a  notorious  fact 
that  very  many  well-instructed  persons  of  all  classes  have  hith- 
erto exercised  a  blind  faith  in  the  medical  art  for  the  cure  of  dis- 
ease, when  it  is  a  fact  well  known  to  those  who  practice  rational 
medicine  that  Nature  possesses  vastly  greater  powers  than  Art  in 
curing  diseases.  What  is  here  meant  by  nature,  is  the  conserva- 
tive power  inherent  in  the  living  body.  For  a  better  understand- 
ing of  this  subject,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  works  of  Sir  John 
Forbes,  Oliver  W.  Holmes,  and  Professor  Bigelow. 

In  view  of  aiding  nature  in  the  cure  of  disease,  the  author  has 
introduced  to  the  reader's  attention  a  new  class  of  remedies,  viz. : 
Fluid  Extracts  of  a  sanative  character.  They  have  proved  more 
safe  and  efficacious  in  the  practice  of  rational  medicine  than  all 
the  other  heroic  arms  of  physic. 

These  remedies  have  been  carefully  tested  for  several  years  by 
the  author,  and  those  students  who  have,  from  time  to  time,  ])laced 
themselves  under  his  instruction,  and  the  result  has  been  very 
satisfactory ;  otherwise,  they  would  not  be  recommended  in  this 
work. 

Finally,  the  author  feels  it  due  to  himself  to  state  that  the 
almost  constant  occupation  of  his  time,  professionally,  has  given 
him  less  opportunity  than  he  desired  for  the  production  of  this 
work,  yet  he  entertains  a  hope  that  he  has  not  labored  in  vain ; 
and  thus  this  mite  is  cast  into  the  common  treasury  of  Veterinary 
Science. 

G.  H.  D. 


CONTENTS. 


SECTION"  I.— The  Cause?  of  Disease. 

(Page  19-39.) 

Remarks  on  Veterinary  Science,  and  the  Relation  it  bears  to  Social  Science 
—Veterinary  Science  ;  how  to  inaugurate  it— What  Benefits  have  we  derived 
from  its  Study— Inflammation  ;  its  Nature  and  Treatment. 

SECTION  II.— Diseases  of  the  Eye. 

(Page  40-57.) 

Amaurosis,  or  Glass  Eye  (Gutta  Serena)— Foreign  bodies  within  the  Eye- 
lids—Specks, or  film  on  the  eye,  known  as  Opacity  of  the  Cornea-Cataract— 
jWorm  in  the  Ej-e—Ophthahnia— Treatment  of  Infiammation— Purulent 
Ophthalmia—  Specific  Ophthalmia. 

SECTION"  III. — Diseases  of  the  Braix  axd  Nervous  System. 

(Page  58-85.) 

Abscess  within  the  Substance  of  the  Brain— Hydroceplialus,  or  Dropsy  of 
the  Brain— iStomach  Staggers— Apoplexy,  or  Cerebral  Hemorrhage— Apo- 
plexy of  Spine,  or  Spinal  Hemorrhage,  producing  Paraphlegia— Epilepsy,  or 
Fits— Tetanus— Vertigo— Acute  or  General  Disease  of  the  Brain,  known  as 
Encephalitis— Sleepy  Staggers— Cerebral  Meningitis— Chorea,  or  Stringlialt. 


SECTION  IV. — Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Passages  and 

Organs. 
(Page  86-186.) 

Importance  of  Ventilating  Stables— Brief  Exposition  and  Description  of 
the  Function  of  the  Lungs— Spasm  of  the  muscles  of  tlie  Glottis  and  Epi- 
glottis—Laryngitis (suppurative  and  intlainmatory)— Croup— Chronic  Cough 
—  Roaring— Polypus— Bronchocele— Influenza,  or  epizootic  catarrh— Pneu- 
monia, or  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs,  including  Typhoid  Affections,  Pleur- 
isy, and  Dropsy  of  the  Chest, 
(ix) 


t  CONTEXTS. 

b'E'JTION  v.— Dextitiox  and  Diet. 

(Page  127-146.) 

The  Horse'u  Afce  as  shown  b}-  his  Teeth — On  the  Diet  of  Horses — The 
effects  of  various  kiuds  of  Food — As  regards  the  quantity  of  Food  required 
—As  rogai»ia  oiuirges  in  Diet — Conclusion. 

.SECTION  YI.— Glaxders  axd  Farcy. 

(Page  147-159.) 

Glanders — Glanders  can  be  communicated  to  Man — Contagiousness  of 
Glanders— Suspected  Glanders — How  came  the  Disease  to  be  called  Glan- 
ders ?— Di^ignostic  Symptom  of  Glanders— Treatment  of  Glanders — Farcy 
(Disease  oi.  the  Absorbents). 

SEOTIOX  VII.— Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 

(Page  160-222.) 

I^mpas— Spontaneous  Salivation— Bots — Inflammation  of  Stomach — Rup- 
ture  of  Stomach— Gorged,  or  over-distended  Stomach— Meteorization — Flat- 
ulent Colic- Spasmodic  Colic— Inflammation  of  the  Peritoneum— Ascitis^ 
Inflammation  of  the  Intestines— Strangulation  of  Intestines  —  Wounds 
penetrating  the  Abdominal  Cavity— Splenic  Apoplexy — Functional  Disease 
of  thu  Liver— Pancreas  ;  its  Function— Parasites  which  affect  the  Intestines. 

SECTION  VIII. — Diseases  of  the  Urix"ary  Orgaxs. 

(Page  223-237.) 

Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys — Inflammation  of  the  Bladder — Stone  in  the 
Bladder  — Suppression  of  the  Urine— Retention  of  the  Urine— Diabetes,  or 
Profuse  Stalling— Rupture  of  the  Bladder— Albuminous  Urine— Haematuria, 
or  Bloody  Urine. 

SECTION  IX. -Surgical  Operations. 

(Page  239-273.) 

Of  Surgical  Operations  and  the  various  Restraints  it  is  sometimes  necessary 
to  place  the  Horse  under  for  their  performance— Casting— Slinging—Cas- 
tration—French  method  of  Castration— Castration  by  Ligature— Lithotomy 
—Tracheotomy— (Esophagotomy— Neurotomy— Mode  of  Performing  Neu- 
rotomy-Periostcolomy- Division  of  the  Flexor  Tendons— Amputations- 
Amputation  of  the  Penis— Amputation  of  the  Tail— Nicking— Firing— Blis- 
tering—Ammoniacal  Blister— Ro welling— Setons— Abstraction  of  Blood,  or 
Bleeding— Division  of  the  Temporal  Artery— Bleeding  by  the  Palate- 
Bleeding  by  the  Toe— Phlebotomy— Bleeding  by  the  Jugular  Vein. 


CONTENTS    OF    EQUINE    DEPARTMENT.  Xl 

SECTION  X. — Diseases  of  the  Skin  and  Sub-tissues. 

(Page  274-301  ) 

Itch  and  Mange — Lice  on  Animals— Grease  and  Scratches— Sin-feit — Drop- 
sical Limbs— Scarlatina— Ringworm— Prurigo— Poll-evil— Fistulous  Withers 
—"Warts  on  the  Skin- Purpura  Hemorrhagica— Out  of  condition— Hide- 
bound—Herpes. 

SECTIOX  XI.— Breeding,  and  the  Principles  of  the  same. 

(Page  302-318.) 

Breeding— The  Principles  of  Breeding— In-and-in  Breeding- Permanent 
Varieties— Animals  become  Parents  too  early— Objections  to  In-and-in 
Breeding  answered — The  Advantage  of  In-and-in  Breeding— The  Importance 
of  Studying  Anatomy  and  Physiology. 

SECTIOX  XIL— Lameness  from  Various  Causes. 

(Page  319-385.) 

Curbs— Elbow  Tumor— Capped  Hnck— Varix,  or  Bog  Spavin— Atrophy, 
or  "Wasting  of  Muscles— Thorough-pin— Navicular  Disease,  or  Lameness— 
Plcuro-dynia  —  Acute  Rheumatism  —  Chronic  Rheumatism-  Ring-bone- 
Splint— Spavin— Osteo  Poresis — Curvature  of  the  Spine — Hoof  bound — 
Laminitis— Sand-crack — Quarter-crack— Navicular  Thritis— Stifle  Out— Con- 
traction of  the  Hoof— Bowed  Legs— Corns— Lameness. 

SECTIOX  XIII.— Horse  Management,  etc. 

(Page  387-415.) 

Prolapsus  A ni— Hemorrhoids,  or  Piles— Pricking  and  Nicking  Horses' 
Tails — Docking  Horses — Ansemia- The  Use  and  Abuse  of  the  Cuny-comb 
— Horses  and  Cattle  should  have  a  supply  of  Pure  Water- Galled  Back— 
The  Heart— The  quantity  of  Blood  contained  in  a  Horse's  Body— Rapidity 
of  the  Circulation— The  transfusion  of  Blood— Management  of  the  Horses 
put  in  the  Stable— Strangles. 


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11 

THEORY  AND  PRACTICE 


OF 


VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERI 


SECTION  I. 

ON    THE    CAUSES    OF    DISEASE. 

Bkmabks  on  Vktekinakt   Science,  and  the  Relation  it  bears  to  Sooiai 
HoxENCK — Veterinary   Science;   how  to  Inaugurate  it — What  Benefiti 

HATE  WB  derived   FROM  ITS  StCDT INFLAMMATION;    ITS  NATURE   AND  TrKA> 

MENT. 

rriO  explain  the  cause  or  causes  of  disease  occurring  among 
_|_  domestic  animals  is  an  herculean  undertaking,  when  ex- 
pt)unded  by  the  theory  and  faulty  logic  as  applied  to  the  ancient 
n^ethod  of  reasoning  on  "false  facts ;"  but,  thanks  to  the  genial 
S))irit  of  progression  and  improvement,  we  are  enabled  to  throw 
some  light  on  the  subject.  We  have  been  taught  to  believe  that 
many  of  the  causes  of  disease  are  invisible  and  mysterious;  but 
this  is  not  the  fact.  We  are  in  possession  of  evidence  going  to 
show,  very  conclusively,  that  the  causes  of  disease  may  be  classi- 
fied very  distinctly  and  intelligently  under  two  heads,  viz. :  Pre- 
disposing and  Exciting  ;  yet  this  classification  is  not  offered  by 
the  author  as  absolute,  but  is  a  more  convenient  arrangement 
than  any  other  to  study  the  nmltifarious  conditions  which  people 
believe  are  remotely  or  immediately  concerned  in  the  production 
of  disease.  For  example,  many  interesting  and  valuable  facts  are 
on  record,  going  to  show  that  the  peculiar  properties,  characters, 
and  qualities  of  the  parent — whether  good  or  bad,  healthy  or  dw- 

(19) 


20  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

eased,  exteraal  or  internal — are  transmitted  to  the  offspring;  or, 
in  common  phraseology,  are  predisposing  and  hereditary. 

"Among  horses  and  cattle,  we  find,  as  in  the  human  subject, 
ample  illustration  of  the  hereditary  tendency  of  external  form, 
disposition,  habit,  and  disease.  The  parent  transfers  to  its  off- 
spring size,  shape,  and  general  conformation  similar  to  its  own ; 
and  the  aphorism,  '  like  produces  like,'  is  as  applicable  to  faulty 
and  disproportioned  as  to  beautiful  and  symmetrical  form,  to  dis- 
eased and  debilitated  as  to  healthy  and  vigorous  constitution,  to 
gentle  and  tractable  as  to  fiery  and  indomitable  disposition.  The 
size,  weight,  general  appearance,  expression  of  countenance,  fleet- 
ness,  and  temper  of  the  horse  are  all  hereditary.  Many  illustra- 
tions might  be  given  of  particular  families  being  remarkable, 
during  several  generations,  for  good  or  bad  points,  as  for  well  ci  j 
ill-formed  head;  for  high  and  well-developed  or  for  low  and  weak 
withers;  for  fine,  strong,  and  well-turned,  or  for  coarse,  weal, 
and  ill-formed  limbs.  Peculiarities  of  color  often  extend  through 
many  generations,  and  are  so  constant  in  their  transmission  i\i 
sometimes  to  form  one  of  the  distinctive  characteristics  of  a  raw. 
Indeed,  most  breeds  of  horses  have  a  prevailing  color,  to  whic'-i 
there  are  few  exceptions.  The  heavy  horses  of  Lincolnshire,  for 
example,  are  generally  of  black;  the  Cleveland,  bay;  and  tbe 
wild  horses  of  the  plains  of  Eastern  Siberia,  dun.  Particulsif 
markings,  also — as  white  spots  on  various  parts  of  the  body,  staifl 
and  blazes  on  the  face,  one  or  more  white  feet  or  legs — often  con- 
tinue for  many  generations,  a^id  are  peculiar  to  certain  families. 

"  There  are  some  maladies  in  which  it  is  comparatively  easy  to 
trace  the  connection  between  conformation  and  disease.  In  the 
horse,  certain  sorts  of  limbs  notoriously  predispose  to  certain  dis- 
eases. Thus,  bone  spavins  are  most  usually  seen  where  there  is 
a  disproportion  in  the  size  of  the  limb  above  and  below  the  hock  j 
curbs,  where  the  os  calcis  is  small  and  the  hock  straight;  strains 
of  the  tendons  of  the  fore-leg,  where  the  limb  is  round  and  the 
tendons  and  ligaments  confined  at  the  knee;  and  navicular  dis- 
ease, where  the  chest  is  narrow  and  the  toes  turned  out.  Among 
horses  so  formed,  these  diseases  are  unusually  common,  and  are 
developed  by  causes  which  would  be  quite  inadequate  to  produce 
them  in  animals  of  more  perfect  conformation.  But  it  appears  to 
us  that  internal  and  constitutional  hereditary  diseases  also  depend 
apon  the  altered  conformation  or  texture  of  the  parts  specially 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  21 

affected,  or  of  some  disturbance  of  the  relation  which  should  subsist 
between  the  different  constituents  of  these  parts.  This  abnormal 
state  of  the  internal  parts  is  seldom  within  the  limits  of  our  means 
of  observation  or  investigation  ;  but  its  existing  in  animals  having 
an  hereditary  predisposition  to  disease  can  not,  we  think,  be  doubted, 
as  we  shall  now  endeavor  to  show.  The  ground  of  our  reasoning 
rests  chiefly  on  the  analogy  which  subsists,  in  all  respects,  between 
external  and  internal  j)arts.  The  same  law  which  regulates  the 
hereditary  transmission  of  form,  texture,  and  relation  of  external 
and  visible  parts,  also  operates  with  equal  force  in  regard  to  the 
form,  texture,  and  relations  betwixt  the  component  parts  of  inter- 
nal, and,  it  may  be,  inaccessible  to  ordinary  powers  of  investiga- 
tion. Then  if,  as  we  have  shown,  external  hereditary  diseases, 
such  as  lamenesses,  are  traceable  to  external  hereditary  peculiari- 
ties of  conformation,  we  do  not  tliink  it  pushing  our  analogy  too 
far  in  asserting  that,  in  like  manner,  internal  hereditary  diseases 
must,  in  great  part  at  least,  depend  upon  some  inherent  hereditary 
ueculiarity  of  the  internal  parts  affected." 

The  common  disease  known  as  bone  spavin  is  inherent,  or  de- 
pendent on  predisposition,  as  related  above;  for  the  author  never 
knew  a  horse  to  be  the  subject  of  this  malady  unless  he  had  faulty 
hocks;  or,  in  other  words,  in  so  far  as  the  conformation  of  the 
parts  were  concerned,  predisposition  was  evident.  The  same  re- 
marks apply  to  ringbone.  Either  the  pasterns  are  too  upright, 
thereby  causing  jar  and  concussion,  or  they  slant  unnaturally, 
and  the  consequence  is,  strain  of  the  ligamentary  structures,  end- 
ing often  in  ringbone  and  other  osseous  diseases. 

Ample  evidence  can  be  adduced  to  show  that  various  diseases 
of  the  eye  are  hereditary.  The  tendency  to  ophthalmia  shows  it- 
self in  a  peculiar  conformation  of  the  eye,  and  parts  in  the  vicinity 
of  it.  Periodical  ophthalmia  is  notoriously  hereditary,  and  u'^ually 
ends  in  cataract. 

Colic,  also,  can  be  traced  to  inherent  tendencies;  for  animaU 
subject  to  flatulent  colic  are  known  to  have  a  morbid  aj)i)ctiie; 
they  have,  also,  a  large,  roomy  abdomen,  which  gives  them  an 
ungainly  appearance.  Yet  it  is  true  that  diseases  may  occur 
accidentally,  without  the  intervention  of  predisposition ;  but  j)re- 
disposition  exists  in  almost  all  cases,  and  it  only  requires  some 
anatomical  and  physiological  knowledge  on  the  part  of  husband- 
men to  detect  it. 


22  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERF. 

F.  Dun,  a  lecturer  in  the  Edinburgh  Veterinary  College,  tolls  us 
tnat  diarrhea  and  colic  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  hereditary,  "  inas- 
much as  th(!y  are  very  prone  to  attack  horses  of  particular  form 
and  constitution,  as  those  with  narrow  loins,  large  flat  sides,  and 
of  what  is  generally  termed  a  washy  appearance.  If  such  animals 
be  overworked,  (especially  soon  after  being  fed,)  if  their  food  bo 
suddenly  changed,  or  if  they  be  allowed  an  unusual  quantity  of 
fluid,  they  are  almost  certain  to  be  attacked  either  by  purging  or 
colic.  The  tendency  to  these  diseases  appears,  in  such  cases,  to 
depend  on  a  want  of  adjustment  among  the  different  organs  of  the 
body ;  a  want  of  balance  among  the  different  functions  of  diges- 
tion, circulation,  and  respiration. 

"  Many  farm-horses,  as  well  as  others  without  much  breeding 
are  remarkable  for  consuming  large  quantities  of  food,  for  soft 
and  flabby  muscular  systems,  and  for  round  limbs  containing  an 
unusual  proportion  of  cellular  tissue.  These  characters  are  no- 
toriously hereditary,  of  which  indubitable  evidence  is  afforded  by 
their  existence  in  many  different  individuals  of  the  same  stock, 
and  their  long  continuance,  even  under  the  b(  si  management  and 
most  efficient  systems  of  breeding.  Such  characters  indicate  pro- 
clivity to  certain  diseases,  as  swelled  legs,  weed,  and  grease.  If 
horses  of  this  description  stand  long,  the  circulation  of  the  blood 
through  the  limbs  is  retarded ;  for,  as  the  contraction  of  the  mus- 
cles which  materially  aid  circulation  are  wantmg,  the  blood  in  the 
veins  rises  with  difficulty  against  its  OAvn  gravity,  while  the  soft 
and  lax  condition  of  the  venous  coats,  and  of  the  muscles  in  con- 
tact with  them,  permits  the  passage  of  the  fluid  parts  of  the  blood, 
giving  rise  to  a  serous  effusion,  which  is  soft,  and  pits  on  pressure. 
This  anasarcous  condition,  although  troublesome,  and  frequently 
recurring,  is  easily  removed  by  friction,  exercise,  or  a  little  physic, 
and  does  not  unfit  the  animal  for  ordinary  work. 

"  But  the  same  conformation  and  constitution  which  induce  sim- 
ple swelled  legs  also  give  rise  to  the  more  serious  affection  known 
as  weed,  or  a  shot  of  grease.  This  consists  in  a  disturbance  of  the 
balance  which  naturally  subsists  between  the  waste  of  the  system 
and  the  supply  of  new  material  to  repair  that  waste.  Food  is  as- 
similated in  larger  quantity  than  the  wants  of  the  system  require; 
the  chyle  so  formed  accumulates  in  the  absorbent  vessels  and 
glands,  which  become,  in  consequence,  irritated  and  inflamed. 
That  part  of  the  absorbent  system  situated  in  the  hinder  extremi- 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  28 

ties  is  usually  the  principal  seat  of  the  disease.  The  animal  sud- 
denly becomes  lame ;  the  inguinal  and  other  glands  in  the  groin 
become  enlarged  and  very  painful,  and  the  swelling  and  pain 
gradually  extend  downward  along  the  course  of  the  absorbents, 
while  the  limb  becomes  a  great  deal  larger  than  its  natural  size. 
There  is,  at  the  same  time,  a  good  deal  of  constitutional  fever, 
with  a  full  and  bounding  pulse.  The  swelling  of  the  leg  is,  in 
the  first  instance,  inflammatory,  being  hot  and  tender,  and  the 
skin,  over  the  part  affected,  hard  and  tense.  Such  swellings  may, 
by  judicious  treatment,  be  removed;  but,  in  cases  of  a  chronic 
character,  or  where  the  same  limb  has  been  previously  affected^ 
lymph  is  effused,  forming  hard  and  nodulous,  and  even  diffuse 
swellings,  which  often  cause  lameness,  by  interfering  with  the  mo- 
tions of  the  joints  or  tendons.  These  indurated  swellings  must 
be  carefully  distinguished  from  the  serous  effusions  above  noticed, 
which,  although  giving  the  animal  an  unsightly  appearance,  do 
not  materially  impair  his  usefulness. 

"  Grease  consists  in  a  morbid  condition  of  the  sebaceous  glands 
of  the  horse's  heels  and  fetlocks.  It  occurs  in  various  degrees  of 
intensity ;  sometimes  as  a  mere  scurfy  itchiness  of  the  skin  about 
the  fetlocks,  more  commonly  of  the  hind  extremities ;  sometimes 
attended  with  much  inflammation,  causing  great  heat,  pain,  and 
swelling,  and  an  ichorous  fetid  discharge ;  sometimes  causing  fall- 
ing off  of  the  hair  about  the  heels,  and  the  formation  of  deep 
cracks  and  fissures;  and  sometimes  becoming  so  violent  and  in- 
veterate as  to  cause  eversion  of  the  sebaceous  glands,  formation 
of  granulations,  and  secretion  of  pus,  constituting  the  loathsome 
complaint  termed  Ae  grapes.  There  are  few  diseases  better  de- 
serving the  epithet  of  hereditary  than  grease,  and  few  in  which 
the  hereditary  nature  can  be  more  easily  discovered  and  traced. 
Almost  every  practitioner  can  bring  to  his  recollection  cases  show- 
ing the  tendency  of  this  disease  to  descend  from  parent  to  off- 
spring. A  friend  of  mine,  some  years  ago,  purchased  a  valuable 
four-year  old  entire  horse,  adapted  for  agricultural  purposes. 
When  bought,  he  appeared  perfectly  sound,  and  his  limbs  were 
nearly  black,  well-formed,  and  fine ;  within  a  short  time,  how- 
ever, they  became  thick  and  greasy.  And,  although  the  marea 
to  which  he  was  put  were  perfectly  free  from  such  faults,  the  prog- 
eny have  shown,  in  every  case  where  they  can  be  traced,  unmis- 
evidence  of  their  inheriting  the  greasy  diathesis  o^  theif 


24  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

fire.  They  have  all  been  found  liable  to  swelled  legs  when  they 
stand  idle  for  a  few  days;  most  of  them  have  been  the  subjects  of 
repeated  attacks  of  weed ;  all  are  aifected,  particularly  in  spring, 
with  scurfiness  of  the  skin  of  the  hind  extremities  and  excessive 
itchiness,  and  lose,  at  a  very  early  age,  their  flatness  and  smooth- 
ness of  limb.  The  faults  occur,  to  a  greater  or  less  degree,  in  all 
the  stock  of  this  horse,  by  many  different  mares,  and  are  dis- 
tinctly traceable  to  the  third  generation.  But,  although  grease 
is  undoubtedly  hereditary,  and  is,  therefore,  readily  induced  by 
comparatively  simple  causes,  still  it  is  frequently  caused,  and  is 
always  aggravated,  by  neglect  of  cleanliness;  and  of  this  there  is 
ample  evidence  in  the  fact  that  it  is  most  common  in  foul  and 
badly-managed  itables,  and  where  no  pains  are  taken  to  keep  the 
horses'  feet  and  legs  clean  and  dry." 

The  scrofulous  predisposition  is  very  marked  in  certain  breeds 
of  horses;  it  occasions  rickets,  softening,  deformity,  and  various' 
forms  of  disease  in  the  bones,  as,  for  example,  big  head,  big  jaw, 
etc.     The  same  author,  just  quoted,  says  in  reference  to  scrofula: 

"  From  their  weak  and  unsound  constitution,  horses  of  a  scrof- 
alous  diathesis  are  unusually  prone  to  glanders  and  farcy— two 
forms  of  a  disease  peculiar  (at  least  as  an  original  disease)  to  the 
equine  species.  As  has  been  already  remarked,  it  is  characterized 
by  a  specific  unhealthy  inflammation,  identical  in  all  important 
characteristics  with  the  syphilitic  inflammation  in  man.  From  the 
dire  and  loathsome  nature  of  glanders,  and  the  terror  in  which  it 
is  held,  animals  affected  by  it  are  never  used  for  breeding,  so  that 
we  have  little  ojiportunity  of  judging  of  its  hereditary  nature. 
There  is^no  evidence  (so  far  as  I  know)  which  proves  it  to  be  di- 
rectly hereditary,*  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  prctgeny  of  a 
glanderous  horse  would  exhibit  an  unusually  strong  tendency  to 
the  disease.  Its  ordinary  predisposing  causes  are,  many  of  them, 
hereditary;  it  is  very  prone  to  attack  animals  of  a  weak  oi  vitiated 
constitution.  It  is  emphatically  the  disease  which  cuts  cff  all 
horses  that  have  had  their  vital  energies  reduced  belcw  the 
healthy  standard,  either  by  inherent  or  acquired  causes.     Glan- 


*  "Though  I  am  not  aware  of  iny  facts  proving  glanders  to  be  congeuitt.1,  yet 
I  think  there  is  every  probabili  y  that  such  is  the  case ;  for  it  is  notorious  thkt 
lyphilis,  the  analagous  disease  in  the  human  subject,  is  congenital,  sni  iftei 
•pp«an  at  birth  in  the  children  of  women  affected  by  that  disease." 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  26 

ilers  is,  also,  sometimes  caused  by  inoculation ;  is  frequently  pro- 
duced in  healthy  subjects  by  mismanagement,  as  by  insufficient 
food,  want  of  shelter,  and  overwork;  and  often  supervenas  on 
bad  attacks  of  influenza,  strangles,  diabetes,  and  other  diseases 
which  debilitate  the  system,  or  impair  the  integrity  of  any  of  its 
more  important  pai'ts.  These  causes  appear  to  possess  the  power 
of  engendering  in  the  constitution  of  a  horse  a  peculiar  poison, 
which,  as  it  reproduces  itself,  and  spreads  to  all  parts  of  the  body, 
gives  rise  to  the  characteristic  symptoms  of  glanders,  causing, 
sooner  or  later,  a  breaking  up  of  the  system,  and  a  fatal  prostra- 
tion of  the  vital  powers.  This  poison  produces  in  the  blood  ab- 
normal changes,  which  vitiate  that  fluid,  and  unfit  it  for  healthy 
nutrition.*  From  the  irritant  action  of  the  morbid  fluids  j)assing 
tlirough  them,  the  lymphatic  glands  and  vessels  become  inflamed, 
and  lymph  is  deposited.  This,  however,  being  of  an  unhealthy 
nature,  soon  runs  on  to  softening,  which  extends  to  the  ikin  over- 
lying the  part,  and  ulcerating  farcy-buds  are  formed.  On  the 
surface  of  the  more  vascular  mucous  membranes  efiusions  of  tu- 
bercular matter  are  also  poured  out ;  these  take  on  an  unhealthy 
inflammation,  and  degenerate  into  chancrous  ulcers,  which  may 
generally  be  seen  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nostrils  in  most 
bad  cases  of  glanders. 

"  These  are  the  most  common  scrofulous  diseases  of  horses ;  but 
an  animal  of  the  scrofulous  diathesis,  besides  being  specially  sub- 
ject to  these,  is  little  able  to  withstand  ordinary  morbific  causes, 
and  hence  is  also  unusually  liable  to  many  ordinary  diseases;  in 
such  a  subject,  too,  disease  is  very  apt  to  be  severe  and  comj)iicated, 
and  to  be  acted  on  tardily  and  imperfectly  by  all  remedies." 

Having  now  furnished  the  reader  with  a  few  valuable  facta 
bearing  on  hereditary  predisposition,  we  shall  briefly  discourse 


*  "  A  comparison  of  the  two  subjoined  analyses  will  jhcsr  the  gieat  differenc* 
la  composition  between  the  blood  of  healthy  and  of  gli^nderoiis  horses — a  diffes- 
•Boe  consisting  chiefly  in  a  diminution  of  the  red  corpfscales,  and  a  proper* 
lional  increase  of  the  tibrine  and  albumen. 

BlooU  of  Uealthy  Horse.  T4co<i  of  0  Ar;]eron»  HocMb 

A.  «. 

Water „ _..  8(M.75 842 ». »5» 

Pibnn© -      2.41...„ e.^.   ~ .« 8.7 

Blood  corpusculea -..  117.13 _ 68  90« .................     44.21 

r?b^^"::z:::::i:~:::  ,]:l^} '»» «" 

Holabie  wk'te 6.82 ...      e.6r„........._ 6.S« 

Simon't  Animal  Ckf*^',-  <n  Dl.  I>«r.  TW         "^   »«*-».- 


26  I)ADD  S  VETERINARY  SURGERY  AND  MEDICINE. 

in  reference  to  some  of  the  exciting  causes  which  in  general  pro- 
duce those  diseases  to  which  the  horse,  by  virtue  of  his  constitu- 
tion, is  liable.  The  following  quotation,  brief  and  pointed,  will 
be  found  pertinent : 

"  By  fir  the  easiest  and  best  mode  of  curing  diseases  of  animals 
is  to  keep  the  diseases  and  the  cattle  separate.  With  cattle,  as 
with  ourselves,  disease  is  caused,  in  most  instances,  by  an  excess 
of  carefulness  or  of  carelessness.  Too  much  and  too  rich  food  is 
as  injurious  as  too  little  and  too  j)Oor.  Perhaps  fewer  diseases, 
in  proportion  to  the  numbers  treated  in  each  way,  spring  from 
privation  than  from  surfeit.  Too  little  as  well  as  too  great 
exjDOSure  to  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  has  a  tendency  to  create 
disease;  in  the  one  case  it  causes  disease,  in  the  other  it  renders 
man  or  animal  more  liable  to  it.  Let  a  wealthy  and  a  warm- 
hearted man  own  and  take  charge  of  a  favorite  animal,  and  the 
chances  are  that  it  will  be  'killed  with  kindness;'  if  it  is  tended, 
in  part,  by  a  hireling,  the  equilibrium  may  be  restored.  In  our 
experience — no  very  limited  one,  by  the  way — care  is  more  needed 
among  cattle  than  cures ;  and  all  the  diseases  which  came  under 
our  treatment  sprang  from  the  want  of  judicious  care.  Has  a 
cow  a  cough,  has  she  the  hoven,  has  she  the  red-water,  or  the 
puerperal  fever?  it  is  from  overcare — too  much  warmth  or  too 
much  feed.  Is  she  mangy,  lousy,  hide-bound,  or  aifected  with 
horn-ail  ?  the  chances  are  that  she  has  been  neglected.  Of  course 
there  are  very  many  exceptions  to  this  and  to  every  other  general 
rule.  But  this  is  our  experience.  Let  few  farmers,  however, 
feed  their  animals  less  than  they  now  do,  or  give  them  more  airy 
lodgings  than  they  now  do,  because  the  greater  number  of  the 
cattle  in  this  country  suffer  from  privation  and  exposure  to  the 
inclemencies  of  the  weather  rather  than  from  pampering.  But 
animals,  as  well  as  men,  will,  with  the  best  care  we  can  bestow 
on  them,  become  sick  at  times.  Our  judgment  is  often  at  fault 
when  our  intentions  are  tne  best.  Sometimes  our  back  is  turned, 
or  our  eyes  are  not  opened  sufficiently  wide.  At  all  events,  our 
stock  will  become  sick,  some  of  them ;  and  recourse  must  be  had 
to  medical  remedies." 

It  is  usual  to  classify  causes ;  yet,  for  all  practical  purposes,  it  is 
only  necessary  for  us  to  know  that  exciting  causes  are  those  from 
which  disease  most  directly  springs.  For  example,  suppose  that  in 
the  act  of  shoeing  a  horse  a  nail  is  driven  in  a  wrong  direction, 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  27 

eaters  the  sensitive  tissues  of  the  foot,  aad  lameness  occurs ;  the 
nail,  in  this  event,  may  be  classed  as  a  special  or  mechanical 
exciting  cause;  and,  under  the  same  head,  we  class  poisons  and 
injuries  of  all  sorts. 

When  horses  become  the  subjects  of  glanders,  or  farcy,  by  being 
exposed  to  the  maladies,  they  are  then  said  to  have  taken  it  either 
by  infection  or  contagion,  and  the  cause  is  said  to  be  specific. 
The  terms  infection  and  contagion  are  now  used  as  synonymous, 
and,  undoubtedly;  if  reference  be  had  to  the  etymology  of  the 
words,  the  arrangement  is  correct.  Coming  now  to  plain  matter 
of  fact,  the  exciting  cause  of  disease  is  that  which,  when  taken 
into  the  body,  or  applied  outwardly,  is  followed  by  disease  or 
derangement. 

The  exciting  causes  of  disease  may,  therefore,  be  summed  up 
thus:  Debility,  induced  by  bad  management,  exposure,  unwhole- 
some food;  plethora,  brought  on  by  over-feeding  and  want  of 
exercise;  overdosing  animals  with  improper  medicines  and 
poisons;  overtaxing  the  muscular  powers  of  the  animal,  and  the 
breathing  of  an  impure  atmosphere. 

A  great  proportion  of  the  diseases  occurring  among  horses  and 
cattle  in  the  Western  States  is  due  to  the  fact  that  they  are  not 
properly  housed  at  night,  and  the  food  that  they  often  gather  in 
their  exposed  situations  lacks  the  nitrogenous  and  nutritious 
matter  for  the  manufacture  of  good,  healthy  blood  and  strong 
muscles. 

Disease  sometimes,  however,  occurs  when  no  exciting  nor  any 
other  cause  appears ;  yet,  with  the  exception  of  those  maladies 
supposed  to  be  produced  by  miasmatic  influences,  it  is  probable 
that  the  cause,  in  such  cases,  has  not  been  discovered.  Finally, 
it  may  be  said  that  the  causes  of  disease  among  animals  are  witliin 
their  bodies  as  well  as  around  and  about  them. 

Veterinary  Science,  and  the  relation  it  bears  to  Social  Science.-^ 
The  necessity  which  exists  for  the  services  of  educated  Veteri- 
nary Surgeons  throughout  the  United  States,  and  in  cavalry  regi- 
ments of  the  United  States  army,  is  evident  to  every  thinking 
man ;  yet,  .prior  to  the  advent  of  our  lute  national  troubles,  it 
waa  found  almost  impossible  to  interest  the  right  kind  of  men, 
•0  that  thev  might  use  their  influence  for  the  purpose  of  direct- 
ing the  attention  of  the  General  Government  to  the  value  and 


28  DAPDS  veterinakf  medicine  and  surgery. 

importance  of  veterinary  science;  but  the  probability  is  that  Ccn» 
gress  will  soon  legislate  on  the  subject,  and  before  long  we  may 
€xpect  to  hear  of  the  appointment  of  a  Veterinary  Surgeon  and 
Assistant  Surgeon  to  each  cavalry  regiment. 

There  exists  no  earthly  reason  why  our  profession  should  not 
rank  as  high  in  America  as  in  England  and  France.  The  great 
losses  which  are  continually  occuring  among  army  horses  is  a 
monstrous  and  growing  evil,  and,  in  view  of  preventing  unneces- 
sary diseases  and  premature  deaths,  the  Government  must  organ- 
ize a  veterinary  corps. 

It  is  very  important  that  our  science  should  attract  the  notice 
of  legislators;  for  it  bears  a  very  intimate  relation  with  social 
science,  inasmuch  as  men  and  animals  are  subject  to  similiar 
diseases,  which  are  communicable  one  to  the  other,  and  which 
often  arise  spontaneously,  and  are  transmitted  from  first  to  second. 
For  example,  there  is  a  disease  which  often  occurs  among  cattle, 
known  as  "Anthrax."  It  is  a  malignant  disease,  and  many 
persons  have  lost  their  lives  by  absorbing  the  virulent  "  anthrax 
poisons  "  from  the  carcasses  of  dead  animals. 

A  cutaneous  disease  often  occurs  among  the  bovine  species, 
known  as  "ring-worm,"  which  affects  the  hands  and  arms  of 
some  persons  who  attend  such  animals. 

It  is  asserted,  also,  that  the  vesicular  murrain,  which  at  times 
prevails  among  cows,  gives  rise  to  the  development  of  a  virus 
which  is  often  squeezed  into  the  milk-pail,  and  ])roduces  very  bad 
^fleets  on  children  when  fed  on  the  same. 

It  has  been  discovered  that  the  little  vesicles  found  in  measled 
pork  are  tape- worms,  in  a  certain  stage  of  development,  and  if 
not  destroyed  by  thoroughly  cooking  the  infected  meat,  may 
develop  the  dangerous  parasite  in  the  human  intestines. 

That  awful  disease  known  as  virulent  "glanders"  (spontaneous 
in  some  horses)  has  destroyed  many  of  our  race.  A  small  por- 
tion of  the  glandered  matter  coming  in  contact  with  an  abraded 
or  absorbing  spot  on  any  part  of  a  man's  body,  will  surely  cause 
him  to  die  the  most  horrible  of  all  deaths ;  and  the  same  remarks 
apply  to  the  disease  known  as  "  malignant  farcy." 

We  might  enumerate  many  other  forms  of  disease  which  are 
communicable  from  the  superior  orders  of  animality  to  the  in- 
ferior, and  vice  versa,  but  the  above  must  suffice,  in  view  of 
attracting  attention  to  the  value  and  importance  of  the  subject. 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  28 

ID  legard  to  the  origin  of  diseases,  it  is  known  to  the  profession 
that  the  diseases  of  men  and  animals  are  often  due  to  similar 
causes ;  that  the  evils  of  domestication,  which  operate  to  develop 
disease  in  animals,  are  as  notorious  as  the  evils  of  civilization, 
which  induces  unnecessary  diseases  and  premature  death  among 
ciembers  of  the  human  family ;  therfore,  our  science  does  bear 
Kn  iDtimate  Eelation  to  social  science,  and  it  appears  to  us  that  no 
scientific  mind  can  fail  to  appreciate  the  advantages  to  be  derived 
from  a  more  extended  knowledge  of  the  fundamental  principles 
of  veterinary  science. 

Let  the  husbandmen  and  stock-raisers  of  this  country  put  their 
shoulders  to  the  wheel,  in  view  of  establishing  veterinary  schools 
and  colleges  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  our  immense 
agricultural  domain,  and  soon  we  can  boast  of  having  a  class  of 
veterinaiy  surgeons,  educated  on  American  soil,  conversant  with 
the  diseases  incidental  to  the  live  stock  of  America.  In  that  event, 
we  can  do  our  own  doctoring,  without  foreign  interference. 

AVe  are  not  disposed  to  find  fault,  nor  scold  about  the  itinerant 
veterinary  practice  which  prevails  throughout  the  United  States, 
for  we  are  aware  that  all  try  to  do  the  best  they  can  for  the  relief 
of  the  inferior  orders  of  creation.  TUe  fault  is  not  with  the  prac- 
titioners, but  with  the  people,  who  have  failed  to  furnish  the 
means  of  education. 

Resume. — Since  writing  ihe  above,  the  "  Trichina"  disease  haa 
made  its  appearance  in  Berlin,  creating  a  terrible  consternation 
among  the  consumers  of  pork.  The  disease  in  its  symptoms  some- 
what resembles  cholera,  but  on  making  post-mortem  examina- 
tionfi,  there  was  soon  discovered  in  the  flesh  of  some  persons  an 
immense  number  of  small  microscopic  i)arasites ;  these  were  traced 
back  to  the  flesh  of  the  hog,  where  they  were  discovered  in  the 
form  of  chrysali  imbedded  in  a  little  shell  of  lime ;  these,  on  being 
Bubjected  to  a  slight  degree  of  heat,  speedily  brought  forth  myriads 
of  small  parasites,  of  various  forms  and  sizes,  a  dozen  of  which 
were  frequently  found  in  a  piece  of  tissue  as  large  as  a  pin's  head. 
The  process  of  incubation  was  discovered  to  have  been  ])roduced 
in  the  intestines  of  those  who  had  eaten  the  pork,  by  the  animal 
warmth  of  the  stomach.  Thus  freed  from  their  shells,  the  creat- 
ures make  their  way  through  the  walls  of  the  intestines  in  every 
direction,  choosing^  the  hard  and  fleshy  tissues  especially,  and  noue 
of  them  have  yet  Deen  found  in  the  blood.     ^lost  remarkable  tu 


30  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURQliRY. 

relate,  the  "Trichina"  is  said  to  have  come  from  the  ",/Se&t> 
nioM«e,"  whicli  the  hog,  by  eating,  introduces  into  his  system,  from 
whence  it  is  introduced  into  the  system  of  man.  A  few  yeari 
ago,  a  number  of  persons  in  London  were  very  seriously  affected 
with  vomiting  and  dysentery  after  partaking  of  sausages,  thi 
meat  of  which  was  found  to  be  in  a  putrid  state.  Liebig,  the 
great  chemist,  informs  us  that  "  several  hundred  cases  are  known 
in  which  death  has  occurred  from  the  use  of  bad  sausages  in  a 
state  of  putrefaction."  This  kind  of  testimony  might  be  multi- 
plied to  an  indefinite  length,  but  what  has  been  written  must 
suffice.  The  reader  can  not  fail  to  perceive  that,  in  the  study  of 
comparative  anatomy  and  physiology,  a  wide  field  for  investiga- 
tion and  research  is  before  us,  which  will  amply  repay  the  devoted 
student,  and  be  the  means  of  accomplishing  much  good. 

Vderinciry  Sdence — How  to  Inaugurate  it —  Mliat  Benefits  have 
toe  derived  from  its  Study  f — Shortly  after  the  commencement  of 
our  late  national  struggle,  the  author  was  consulted  in  reference 
to  the  most  feasible  plan  of  inaugurating  Veterinary  Science,  so 
that  it  might  be  made  available  for  the  restoration  of  sick,  lame, 
and  otherwise  disabled  horses  in  the  Government  service,  which 
drew  forth  the  following  reply :  Up  to  the  present  period  there 
exists  no  law  authorizing  the  employment  of  regularly -educated 
veterinary  surgeons;  therefore  any  rational  plan  calculated  to 
ameliorate  the  condition  of  army  horses,  or  to  prevent  the  many 
unnecesisary  cases  of  disease  and  premature  deatiis  which  are  now 
constantly  occurring,  or  to  guard  against  tlic  great  pecuniary 
losses  which  the  Government  and  people  of  tlus  cuuntry  have 
been  compelled  to  submit  to  in  the  condemnutiuu  and  furced  sales 
of  deteriorated  horses,  can  not,  as  I  understand  the  matter,  be 
considered  by  the  powers  that  be  until  Congress  shall  legislate 
upon  the  subject.  I  now  propose  to  inform  the  reader  how  to 
render  the  knowledge  we  possess  available. 

In  the  first  place,  I  should  follow  the  systems  of  instructioa. 
and  the  organizations  of  the  veterinary  schools  of  London,  Ed- 
inburgh, Alfort,  and  Saumur,  and  prepare  suitable  text-books 
adapted  to  the  wants  of  a  nation  of  people  who  have  never  given 
the  subject  that  attention  which  its  importance  demands. 

In  the  selection  of  pupils,  I  favor  the  plan  of  General  McClellan, 
which  is  as  follows :  "  The  pupils  for  the  veterinary  school  mighl 


vlN  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  81 

be  selected  from  among  the  best  recruits;  indeed,  it  is  not  iru- 
prohable  that  the  advantages  of  such  an  institution  woukl  inthioe 
excellent  men  to  enlist  for  the  purpose  of  availing  themselves  of 
its  benefits.  Should  such  be  found  to  be  the  results,  it  would  be 
well  to  require  them  to  enlist  for  longer  than  the  usual  time,  as  a 
oompensation  for  the  time  spent  at  school."  Cavalry  officers, 
fiirriers,  or  blacksmiths  should  be  permitted  to  attend  lectures  on 
anatomy,  physiology,  and  the  obvious  diseases  and  lameness  of 
horses. 

In  case-s  of  emergency,  a  competent  veterinarian  should  be 
employed  in  each  regiment,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  select  an 
intelligent  farrier  from  each  company,  and  instruct  such  person, 
in  a  brief  and  practical  manner,  on  the  management  of  cavali7 
horses  in  camps,  the  prevention  of  diseases,  and  the  most  rational 
method  of  treating  diseases  incidental  to  camp  life. 

Should  it  be  found  impossible  to  secure  the  services  of  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  competent  veterinarians  for  the  above  purpose, 
let  those  who  have  shown  themselves  qualified,  by  an  examination 
before  a  medical  board,  march  from  camp  to  camp,  give  instruc- 
tions, see  that  the  sick  and  disabled  are  separated  from  healtliy 
animals,  lind  that  the  former  be  placed  in  a  covered  hospital,  and 
then  issue  special  regulations  for  the  use  of  mounted  troops  in 
garrison  and  in  the  field,  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  against  the 
consequences  of  ignorance  and  abuse  of  the  animal  machine. 

It  would  be  advisable  to  establish  a  veterinary  professorship  at 
West  Point,  and  tliere  locate  the  National  S(!liool.  The  Govern- 
ment has  there  a  very  fine  French  model  of  the  horse,  a  skeleton, 
And  various  preparations  of  morbid  anatomy,  etc.,  which,  together 
with  other  material  available,  will  furnish  all  that  is  necessary 
for  the  purposes  of  veterinary  tuition.  It  would  also  be  advis- 
able for  the  Chief  Veterinary  Surgeon  to  issue  to  his  subordinates 
such  orders  as  shall  secure  proper  sanitary  regulations  in  camp. 
The  horses  should  be  as  well  cared  for  as  the  troops,  for  in  cav- 
alry and  artillery  service,  the  success  of  a  campaign,  or  attack 
and  defense,  depends  much  on  the  health  and  efficiency  of  horses. 
It  should  be  the  business  of  some  members  of  the  veterinary 
aorps  to  station  themselves  at  accessible  points,  and  there  erect 
temporary  hospitals  for  the  reception  of  sick  and  hime  horsca, 
where  the  latter  shall  receive  the  benefits  of  a  rational  system  of 
oaedication  and  nursing,  whereby,  in  their  restoration  to  useful- 


8:1  DADD'S  VETERINARY  SURGERY  AND  MEDICINE. 

ncss  uany  millions  of  dollars  might  b^  <saved  to  the  Government 
in  a  short  time.  I  contend  that  the  condemnation  and  ruinoiis 
jale  of  sick  and  lame  horses  is  a  wanton  waste  of  property,  and 
it  would  be  just  as  rational,  if  rational  at  al'  to  sacrifice,  neglect 
or  abandon  sirk  or  disabled  soldiers  simply  ^€cause  they  are  not 
in  fit  condition  for  present  duty. 

Importance  of  Veterinary  Education. — The  importance  cf  edu- 
cating men  for  the  scientific  practice  of  Veterinary  Medicine  and 
Surgery  is  self-evident,  and  is  further  illustrated  by  the  daily 
experience  of  those  jiersons  whom,  as  a  matter  of  necessity,  hav^ 
been  obliged  to  prescribe  for  the  sick  and  dying  of  their  flocks 
and  herds,  at  the  same  time,  having  no  knowledge  of  those  advant- 
ages which  a  thorough  course  of  training  affords,  must  necessarily 
feel  that  they  are  ^>;roping  in  comparative  darkness,  and  when  a 
ray  of  medical  light  does  flit  across  their  path,  it  often  serves  to 
make  them  better  acquainted  with  their  own  want  of  skill.  Per- 
«ons  thus  circumstanced,  unable  to  procure  the  services  of  veteri- 
nary surgeons,  in  consequence  of  a  scarcity  of  the  "genuine 
material,"  are  often  called  upon  to  assume  the  responsibilities  of 
medical  })ractitioners ;  and  they,  no  doubt,  prescribe  with  good 
intention  and  honesty  of  purpose,  but  disease  and  death  have  the 
vantage  of  them,  for  the  disease  is  not  often  rightly  diaguosed, 
nor  are  they  acquainted  with  the  means  of  securing  a  favorable 
issue;  and  they  will  hail,  as  a  great  blessing,  every  attempt  made 
for  the  purpose  of  diffusing  a  knowledge  of  Veterinary  Science. 

We  all  know  that  there  is  greater  need  for  scientific  qualifica- 
fcion  on  the  part  of  those  who  propose  to  practice  on  brutes  than 
in  tne  case  of  a  practitioner  of  human  medicine ;  and  if  a  special 
course  of  study  and  qualification,  obtained  under  the  guidance  of 
competent  teachers  at  college  or  elsewhere,  be  essentially  neces- 
sary in  the  one  case,  surely  they  can  not  Oe  dispensed  with  in  the 
5lt?r.  Xow,  it  is  well  known  that  prior  to  the  introduction  of  a 
rational  system  of  veterinary  medicine  in  the  mother  countiy, 
millions  of  domestic  anima-ls  were  annually  sacrificed  at  the 
Bhrine  of  ignorance;  but  science  came  to  the  rescue,  and  now  ihe 
disci})les  of  St.  Bel,  Coleman,  their  co-workers  (the  founders  of 
the  science  in  England),  and  kindred  spirits,  can,  l)y  aid  of  theli 
vast  materia  medica — their  anesthetic  agents,  their  scalpel,  ai><J 
other  appliances — accomplish  unheard  of  wonders. 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE,  33 

Tlie  Samaritans  of  our  craft  have  s^  Ived  tiie  problems  on  which 
*he  fundamental  principles  of  physiology  and  pathology  ai-e 
Pounded  ;  they  have,  to  a  certain  extent,  dispelled  the  awful  cloud 
of  ignorance  and  empiricism  which  had  reigned  in  the  British 
Isles.  They  have  succeeded  in  illuminating  the  dense  and  dark 
spots  that  have  existed  in  horse  and  cattle  practice  since  the  ad- 
vent of  the  ancient  Egyptians,  up  to  that  period  which  introduced 
a  new  era  in  our  art.  They  have  done  more  than  this  :  our  crafla- 
men  have  often  robbed  death  of  some  of  its  victims,  and  have 
succeeded  in  blunting  the  keen  edge  of  many  an  epizootic  sword; 
and  thus  they  have  succeeded  in  stealing  a  march  on  the  grim 
monarch  of  epizootic  destiny.  Their  weapons  were  often  such  as 
were  wielded  by  Jenxer,  the  benefactor  of  our  race.  Our  efforts 
may  not  always  be  successful,  but  as  our  veterinary  fathers  have 
accomplished  much,  we  ought  not  to  despair. 

The  field  of  enterprise  in  the  United  States  is  composed  of  vir- 
gin soil,  and  the  "  bridegroom  of  promise  "  hath  not  yet  put  on 
the  corai)lete  mantle  of  fertility ;  so  that  there  is  a  splendid  chance 
for  the  teachers  and  graduates  of  American  schools  to  distinguish 
themselves  and  earn  the  laurel  of  fame. 

The  husbandmen  of  this  country  have  also  suffered  immense 
losses  by  the  death  of  valuable  animals,  and  since  the  landing  of 
the  Pilgrims  on  Plymouth  Rock,  up  to  this  very  moment,  death 
hath  run  riot  in  the  camping-ground  of  horses  and  cattle,  and 
peojde  have  scarcely  been  informed  of  the  "  why  or  wherefore." 
The  legion  host  of  "  itinerant "  practitioners  which  necessity  and 
circumstances  have  created,  remain  remarkably  silent  and  non- 
committal ;  and  probably  this  is  the  best  course  they  can  pursue, 
for,  if  "  ignorance  is  bliss,"  and  that  pays  well,  it  would  be  de- 
cidedly unbusiness-like  in  them  to  assume  wisdom  which  might 
twt  pay. 

There  never  was  a  period  in  the  history  of  this  country  when 
the  services  of  educated  veterinary  surgeons  were  so  mucli  neede(/ 
KH  at  the  present  time.  The  live  stock  of  "  Young  America"  do 
not  enjoy  immunity  from  those  pestiferous  ei)izootic  maladies 
which  have  in  former  years  operated  as  a  "  witliering  simoom  "  on 
British  husbandry.  For  example,  a  dreadful  malady  known  a& 
pleuro-pneumonia  has  made  sad  havoc  among  live  stock  in  Mas- 
Bacluisetts,  and  the  terrible  alarm  there  created  in  consequence,  u 
keenly  felt,  not  only  in  that  State,  but  in  many  others.  In  some 
3 


S4  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICLN'E  AND  SURGERY. 

of  the  Western  States,  a  malady  known  as  *  milk-sicknebd,"  oi 
trembles,  afflicting  both  man  and  beast,  sometimes  prevails,  at- 
tended with  such  disastrous  results  that  many  farmers  have  often 
been  compelled  to  abandon  the  old  homestead  in  view  of  seeking 
a  location  where  there  was  some  prospect  of  enjoying  immunity 
from  the  pest. 

Hog  cholera,  or  pleuro-pneumonia,  'among  swin^^)  has  )!ien 
'ilain  its  millions  and  tens  of  millions.  Contagious  yphus  pre- 
vails, and  puerperal  fever  has  carried  oif  huudreds  cf  thousanda 
of  our  best  stock.  Apoplexy,  softening  of  the  brain,  dropsy  of 
the  brain,  are  just  as  prevalent  here  as  in  England.  Abortion, 
or  miscarriage,  is  fearfully  on  the  increase.  Diseases  of  climate 
and  sjjontaneous  origin  are  constantly  occurring.  In  fact,  to 
shorten  a  lengthy  story,  there  is  scarcely  any  disease  known  to 
the  veterinarians  of  the  Old  World  that  has  not  prevailed  in  the 
New.  The  mere  mention  of  these  matters  should  at  once  arouse 
stock-owners  to  a  sense  of  duty  to  themselves  and  their  domestic 
animals. 

We  must  have  educated  veterinary  surgeons  for  the  treatment 
of  diseases  peculiar  to  the  live  stock  of  this  country.  It  is  a  mat- 
ter of  national  policy,  a  work  of  benevolence ;  and  should  we 
take  a  business  view  of  the  affair,  it  is  a  cent  and  dollar  enter- 
prise that  will  surely  pay. 

We  want  schools  and  colleges  in  this  country,  where  the  young 
men  of  America  can  acquire  a  republican  veterinary  education^ 
so  that  in  the  era  before  us,  the  people  in  this  country  can  employ 
the  graduates  of  their  own  schools,  endowed  and  fostered  by  Iheii 
own  enterprise  and  industry.  Some  persons  have  an  idea  thai 
veterinary  science  can  only  be  accpiircd  under  the  banner  of  roy- 
alty, but  this  is  a  great  mistake.  I  am  aware  that  the  people  of 
this  country  have  been  so  absorbed  in  promoting  its  growth  and 
develojHng  its  resources,  that  there  has  Irccn  but  little  chance  for 
great  scientific  achievement  in  our  calling,  yet  within  the  past 
few  years  some  of  the  most  learned  of  our  profession,  educated 
under  the  auspices  of  royalty  and  aristocracy,  have  been  amaze<] 
at  the  contributions  to  science  furnished  by  a  few  devoted  nipu  in 
this  :ountry  that  never  saw  the  inside  of  an  European  college. 

As  a  national  affair,  therefore,  it  should  be  the  pride  of  every 
American  citizen  to  put  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel  for  the  purpose 
just  indicated,  for  the  enterprise  will  surely  redound  to  the  bono' 


ON  THE  CAUbtS  OF  DISEASE.  35 

and  glory  of  the  nation.  The  science  which  we  are  laboring  to 
render  popular  is  vast  and  boundless  as  the  ocean ;  and  although 
it  has  been  explored  by  many  distinguished  scholars,  it  is  capable 
of  unfolding  new  truths,  and  when  the  united  intellect  of  intelli- 
g(mt  Americans  shall  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it,  will  advance 
with  a  rapidity  truly  astonishing.  What  the  American  people 
have  accomplished,  during  the  past  few  years,  in  rendering  other 
sciences  popular,  is  proof  positive  of  what  shall  occur  when  the 
current  of  investigation  is  directed  to  the  science  of  veterinary 
medicine  and  physiology. 

In  the  absence  of  educated  veterinary  surgeons  throughout  the 
country,  it  is  of  vast  importance  that  stock-owners  generally 
ehould  study,  as  far  as  they  can,  the  diseases  to  which  their  prop- 
erty is  subject,  and  acquire  a  knowledge  of,  at  least,  the  ordinary 
remedies.  By  doing  so,  thousands  of  dollars'  worth  of  valuable 
horses,  cattle,  and  swine  may  be  annually  saved  to  the  country, 
and  the  intense  misery  which  these  poor  brutes  suffer  frequently 
be  relieved.  It  is  our  object  in  this  work  to  simplify  the  science 
BO  that  it  may  be  acquired,  to  a  very  useful  extent,  by  any  intel- 
ligent man.  If  we  shall  succeed  in  enablino;  stock-owners  to 
practice  the  healing  art  on  their  dumb  but  faithful  companion*, 
we  shall  feel  that  we  have  done  a  good  work. 

Inflammation;  Its  Nature  and  Treatment. — Inflammation  is  said 
to  consist  of  pain,  h'-'  t,  and  redness.  It  is  usually  considered  as 
an  enemy  to  the  patient ;  and  we  have  been  taught  to  subdue  it 
by  means  of  bleeding  and  purging,  at  all  hazards ;  and  some 
practitioners,  when  they  undertake  the  job,  generally  succeed, 
yet  they  lose  the  patient  for  their  pains. 

Some  writers  have  made  inflammation  cut  up  all  manner  of 
I  ranks.  It  is  now  sanative  in  healing  a  wound  or  injury,  in 
repairing  damages  which  occur  in  various  parts  of  the  animxl 
economy  ;  and  in  the  same  paragraph  the  writers  declare  that  in- 
flammation is  the  cause  of  nearly  all  the  deaths  that  occur.  This 
is  sheer  nonsense,  and  will  not  stand  the  test  of  logic,  nor  thq 
daily  experience  of  that  piactitioner  who  deals  in  fact,  and  does 
his  own  thinking,  independently  of  the  dictum  of  some  of  thn 
schools,  and  the  ancient  method  of  reasoning  on  false  facts.  -■* 
distinguished  medical  reformer,  writing  on  this  subject,  says- 
"  Numerous  hypotheses  or  opinions  respecting  the  true  nature  o< 


86  DADD'S  VEThKlNARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEL.. 

inflammation  have  for  ages  been  advanced,  and,  for  a  time,  sus- 
tained ;  but  even  at  the  present  day  tlie  various  doctrines  appeal 
to  be  considered  altogether  problematical." 

"We  often  hear,  in  common  parlance,  that,  "  if  inflammation  set» 
in,  the  horse  will  die."  Now,  the  very  reverse  of  this  is  the  case  ; 
for,  while  inflammation  lasts,  there  is  strength,  vitality,  and  ang 
mented  action,  though  there  may  be  much  pain.  This  should  bt 
interpreted  as  the  warning  voice  of  Nature,  to  apprise  us  of  a  loss 
of  equilibrium  in  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  or  some  deranged 
condition  of  the  system ;  and  we  should  heed  the  warning,  and 
array  ourselves  on  the  side  of  Nature,  in  view  of  promoting  a  full 
and  free  circulation  of  the  blood  over  the  system,  so  that  there 
shall  be  no  excess  anywhere ;  and  the  derangement,  wherever  it 
exists,  must  next  command  our  attention. 

While  inflammation  and  pain  exists,  there  is  hope.  Take,  for 
example,  inflammation  of  the  intestines.  While  that  stage  lasts, 
the  animal  is  not  in  danger ;  but  so  soon  as  inflammation  and 
pain  ceases,  (often  accomplished  through  the  means  of  bleeding 
and  narcotism,)  we  then  open  up  a  new  page  of  pathology.  In 
the  course  of  a  few  hours  the  animal  dies.  Of  what — inflamma- 
tion ?  No.  He  dies  of  mortification,  or  gangrene  of  the  bowels. 
Therefore  death  was  not  caused  by  inflammation. 

So  in  regard  to  phrenitis  (inflammation  of  the  brain).  A  cer- 
tain amount  of  pain  and  activity  in  the  parts  are  observable ;  the 
inflammation  may  now  be  attacked  after  the  true  Sangrado  fash- 
ion ;  the  inflammation  is  subdued,  but  still  the  animal  is  no  bet- 
ter. He  dies.  Of  what  does  he  die?  Not  of  inflammation,  for 
the  autopsy  reveals,  very  often,  softening  of  the  brain,  and  fluid 
is  found  wj+hin  the  lateral  ventricles.  Softening  of  the  brain  is 
equivalent  to  gangrene  (death  of  a  part).  Then,  again,  hor»3a 
can  not  be  said  to  die  of  inflammation  when  the  practitioner  de- 
clares that  he  heroically  subdued  it  some  time  previous  to  the 
death  of  the  animal. 

There  is  no  proof  that  bleeding  has  any  directly  benefinial 
mflueuce  over  the  course  of  inflammations,  either  external  .i  in- 
ternal. Surgeons  never  bleed  now  in  external  inflammation  ;  and 
educated  and  liberal  physicians  have  given  up  all  arguments  in 
favor  of  the  practice  for  internal  inflammation.  Good,  in  hia 
"  Study  of  Medicine,"  seems  to  have  given  us  some  definite  in- 
fitrmatiou  regarding  the  effect  of  blood-letting  in  inflammation, 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE.  37 

which  should  agree  with  the  sentiments  of  all  men  desiring  to  see 
veterin-ary  science  joined  in  the  march  of  improvement  which  is 
now  progressing  in  almost  every  other  department  of  science  and 
industry.  "  The  immediate  eSect  of  profuse  and  repeated  bleed- 
ing is  exhaustion.  While  this  exhaustion  continue,*  there  *s  a 
diminution  of  action  of  every  kind,  and  hence  an  imposing  ap* 
poarance  of  relief  to  the  symptoms  of  disease;  but  it  no  sooner 
takes  place  than  an  instinctive  effort  is  made  by  the  vis  medica- 
trixnatura  to  remedy  the  evil  hereby  produced,  and  to  restore  the 
system  to  its  former  balance  of  power.  This  balance  is  called  a 
rallying,  or  reaction  of  the  living  princij)le.  The  arteries  con- 
tract to  adapt  themselves  to  the  measure  of  blood  that  remains  ; 
the  sensorial  organ  is  roused  to  the  secretion  of  a  large  proportioc 
of  nervous  power  to  supply  the  inordinate  drain  that  takes  j)lace. 
During  the  general  commotion,  all  is  in  a  state  of  tem])orary 
hurry  and  urgency,  and,  for  the  most  part,  irregularity  of  action, 
while  the  instinctive  effort  is  proceeding.  And  hence,  no  sooner 
is  the  immediate  effect  of  prostration  and  exhaustion  overcome 
than  the  heart  palpitates,  the  pulse  beats  forcibly  with  a  jerking 
bound,  the  head  throbs,  and  the  eyes  flash  fire.  Now,  it  often  hap 
pens  that  these  concurrent  signs  are  mistaken  for  proofs  of  latent 
or  increased  vigor,  instead  of  being  proofs  of  accelerated  action ; 
and  action,  too,  that  adds  as  largely  to  the  exhaustion  as  the  de- 
pletion that  produced  it ;  and  the  unhappy  patient  is  bled  a 
second,  a  third,  and  even  a  fourth  time,*  till  no  reaction  follows, 
at  which  time  it  is  strangely  supposed  that  the  plethora  or  inflam- 
matory diatheses  is  subdued  and  lulled  into  a  calm,  because  the 
patient  has  been  so  far  and  fatally  drained  of  the  living  ])rinciple 
that  there  is  no  longer  any  rallying  or  reactive  power  remaining, 
and  gives  up  the  ghost,  in  a  few  hours,  to  the  treatment  instead  of 
the  disease."  This  is  the  case  with  thousands  and  tens  of  thou- 
sands of  valuable  animals  that  annually  die  in  this  country,  in 


•  My  atteation  was  recently  called  to  a  valuable  stallion,  whicli  Lad  lately 
been  brought  from  Nova  Scotia.  He  was  attacked  with  what  the  attending 
would-be  physician  called  "founder,"  but  which  was  a  pure  case  of  acute  rheu- 
matism. In  three  different  bleedings,  forty-two  pounds  of  blood  had  been  ab- 
stracted! and  I  found  the  patient  so  weak  and  prostrated  that  he  was  scarcel» 
able  to  stand.  It  seems  to  me  that  every  man  having  the  least  spark  of  charity 
for  80  noble  an  animal  as  a  horse,  should  discountenance  such  outrageous  trout 
■•Qt  as  thiti. 


38  DaDD'8  VETLRINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

coast  aence  of  our  misguided  notions  of  inflammation,  and  c»ui 
want  of  knowledge  of  a  suitable  remedy  to  treat  it.  But  a 
brighter  day  is  dawning,  and  the  antiquated  notions  of  disease 
and  its  treatment  are  fast  giving  way  to  a  more  rational  and  suc- 
cessful system ;  and  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  blood-lottiug 
for  the  cure  of  inflammation  will  be  entirely  abandoned. 

It  is  very  gratifying  to  the  author  to  be  able  to  record  that 
many  of  the  progressive  medical  writers  of  the  present  day  are 
on  tlie  right  side  of  Nature,  teaching  us  that  "  she  is  ever  busy, 
by  the  silent  operation  of  her  own  forces,  in  the  cure  of  disease;" 
and  they  are  inaugurating  a  very  great  and  desirable  revolution 
in  the  theory  and  practice  of  human  as  well  as  veterinary  medi- 
cine. 

Nat,^,re  of  Injiammation. — The  physical  characteristics  of  in- 
flammation are,  as  I  have  just  written,  redness,  heat,  pain,  and 
sometimes  swelling.  It  is,  and  always  was  physiologically,  oper- 
ating for  the  good  of  humanity  and  the  inferior  orders  of  creation. 
Its  curative  power  none  can  dispute.  \ye  see  it,  in  the  form  of  a 
blush,  on  the  cheek  of  offended  humanity.  Friction,  injuries, 
poisons  and  disease,  etc.,  excite  Nature  to  hoist  the  symbol  of  dis- 
tress— inflammation.  She  calls  loudly  for  help,  but  she  does  not 
always  get  it;  and  instead  of  acknowledging  her  autocracy,  and 
furnishing  what  she  wants  to  use  in  her  own  v/ay,  viz. :  the  water, 
oil,  and  wine  of  the  ancient  Samaritans,  we  offer  fire,  knife,  and 
}iolson. 

Inflammation  being  an  exalted  condition  of  local  arterial  cir- 
(iilation,  it  can  only  be  excited  by  some  mental  emotion,  injury, 
loss  of  function,  or  by  what  is  known  as  disease,  in  parts  adjacent 
or  remote  from  its  seat.  Hence,  all  diseases  of  an  acute  charac- 
ter are  preceded  and  accompanied,  to  a  certain  stage  or  jieriod,  by 
inflammation.  Hence,  also,  according  to  ancient  usage  and  the 
dictum  of  alma  mater,  we  are  constrained  to  talk  and  write  as 
though  inflammation  was  the  great  evil  or  disease  which  requiied 
our  services ;  and  thus  we  coquette  with  Nature  by  means  of 
sharp-edged  tools,  while  the  actual  disease  steals  i  march  on  us, 
and  we  lose  the  patient  in  consequence  of  our  want  of  knowledge. 

Treatment  of  Injiammation. — Inflammation  bf  g  more  or  less 
active,  accoiding  to  the  intensity  of  the  disease     f  which  it  is  a 


ON  THE  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE 


3l» 


fbreruiinei,  or  rather  an  indication,  and  being  accompanied  by 
pain,  it  becomes  our  duty  merely  to  restore  the  equilibrium  of  the 
circulation.  This  removes  the  inflammation,  and  promotes  a  fretj 
and  full  circulation  of  the  blood  all  over  the  systeni;  =0  that  there 
shall  be  no  excess  (inflammation)  anywhere.  This  is  what  we 
call  subduing  the  inflammation,  with  this  difference,  however, 
that  we  resort  to  natural  means  and  sanative  medication  instead 
'jf  using  the  fleam  and  cathartics.  The  means  are  warmth,  moist- 
(\re,  stimulants,  and  friction ;  and  clothing  to  the  extremities  and 
Lc  parts  of  the  bo<ly  that  are  cold ;  and  cold  applications  to  parti 
that  are  unnaturally  hot.  One  of  the  best  equalizers  of  the  cir- 
culation is  the  "  Roman  bath,"  the  vapor  bath,  and  wet  packing. 
Should  the  inflammation  exist  internally,  then  give  plenty  of 
^arra  water,  emolient  drinks,  and  emolient  enemas,  and  keep  up 
a  physiological  action  and  heat  on  the  surface  of  the  body  by 
nreans  of  friction  and  warm  clothing.  In  this  simple  way  the 
circulation  of  the  blood  is  equalized,  or,  in  other  words,  the  in- 
fljuamation  is  "  cured ; "  and,  at  the  same  time,  this  treatment  may 
care  the  disease  as  well  as  the  inflammation. 


HSiS^ 

^ 

M 

"^M 

1 

1 

'^s^M 

SECTION  II. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    EYE. 

i.uxvROsis,  or  Glass  Eye  (Gutta  Serena) — Foreign  Bodies  within  the  Er» 
LIDS — Specks,  or  Film  on  the  Eye,  known  as  Opacity  of  the  Cornea — 
Cataract — Worm  in  the  Eye — Ophthalmia — Treatment  of  Inflammation — 
PcRCLENT  Ophthalmia — Specific  Ophthalmia. 

Amaurosis  ("Glass  Eye" — Gutta  Serena.) 

AMAUROSIS  is  known  to  most  men  as  "  glass  eye."  Physi- 
cians, however,  have  named  the  disease  gutta  serena.  The 
abnormal  condition,  which  consists  in  dilatation  of  the  pui)il,  un- 
influenced by  light  or  darkness,  is  occasioned  by  paralysis  of  the 
optic  nerve  and  its  ultimate  expansion. 

Causes. — Some  horses,  of  an  excitable,  nervous  temperament, 
often  become  the  subjects  of  dilated  pupil,  without  any  assignable 
cause  ;  while  that  form  of  amaurosis  occurring  among  plethoric 
subjects,  or  those  whose  digestive  organs  are  deranged  or  occupied 
by  a  large  quantity  of  undigested  food,  (they,  the  subjects  border- 
ing on  that  state  known  as  stomach  staggers,)  can  easily  be  ex- 
plained on  the  well-known  law  of  sympathy. 

We  may,  however,  with  propriety,  assign  a  cause  for  its  occur- 
rence in  the  eyes  of  nervous,  excitable  horses ;  for  this  very  con- 
dition of  the  nervous  system,  which  gives  rise  to  the  excitability, 
perhaps  goes  to  show  that  the  brain  is  actually  diseased,  either  in 
function  or  structure.  Animals  subject  to  this  affection  are  gen- 
erally of  a  "bony,"  spare,  muscular  development,  and  have  wiry 
sinews,  thin  tapering  ears,  delicate  lips  and  nostrils,  diminution 
in  the  quantity  of  the  hair  in  the  mane  and  tail,  but  remarkable 
for  compactness  of  texture.  We  generally  find,  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  the  black  color  preponderates  in  nervous  horsija 
over  the  various  shades  of  equine  coloring-matter  found  in  the 
(40) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYR  41 

hair,  eyes,  etc.  I  had  a  case  of  this  kind,  and  the  owner  s  state- 
ment was  as  follows:  The  animal  (mare)  liad  been  in  his  possea- 
Bion  about  five  years.  She  had  four  successive  attacks  of  blindness, 
wnich  had  never  been  treated  by  a  certified  surgeon,  and  it  wa? 
concluded  that  she  must  have  a  periodical  attack  in  spite  of  all 
effo]  ts  to  prevent  it.  Now,  this  is  what  we  call  a  case  of  idio- 
pat  Lie  periodical  amaurosis,  and  if  it  does  not  owe  its  origin  to 
some  hereditary  idiosyncracy,  it  is  the  result  of  an  abnormal  con- 
dition of  the  brain. 

When  our  attention  shall  be  called  to  a  case  of  this  character, 
we  must  bear  in  mind  the  fact  that  this  animal  survived  four 
periodical  attacks  of  the  same  malady,  and  performed  the  ordinary 
duties  of  a  horse,  in  the  intervals  of  health,  with  far-seeing  eyes, 
and  without  the  aid  of  science ;  and  this  goes  to  show  that  this 
condition  of  the  nervous  structure  of  the  eyes  of  some  horses,  as 
well  as  many  other  diseases  incidental  to  them,  are  often  "  self- 
limited,"  and  the  subjects  will  recover,  if  carefully  nursed  and 
left  unembarrassed  by  "  poisonous  drugs."  This  opinion  is  in- 
dorsed by  some  of  the  most  distinguished  surgeons  of  the  present 
day.  I  have  no  desire  to  try  to  saddle  the  reader  with  any  pecu- 
iar  notions  of  medication  emanating  from  my  own  fancy  or 
brains.  I  am  not  oifering  sensible  people  a  mirror  of  my  own 
reflection,  but  I  wish  to  present  the  truth  in  that  mirror,  so  that 
they  may  see  it  and  judge  for  themselves.  Excessive  medication 
is  a  (juicksand  which  we  must  try  to  avoid.  Thousands  of  well- 
meaning  medical  aspirants  have  actually  committed  professional 
suicide  by  clinging  to  the  absurd  theory  of  medication  as  prac- 
ticed in  bygone  days.  The  lancet,  and  many  of  the  heroic  medi- 
cines which  our  predecessors  placed  great  confidence  in,  and  in 
their  writings  have  urged  us  to  use,  are  now  almost  discarded. 
It  is  not  because  an  essential  change  has  taken  place  in  the  nature 
of  equine  maladies,  but  because  we  have  greater  faith  in  Nature  as 
our  curative  agent,  and  have  become  better  acquainted  with  inat- 
omy,  pathology,  and  physiology. 

But  to  resume  the  subject  of  amaurosis.  If  from  the  history 
of  the  case,  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  it  is  of  a  jieriodical 
character,  and  if  it  be  the  sequel  to,  or  an  accompaniment  of, 
some  hereditary  affection,  we  may  be  sure  that  the  malady  will 
exist  for  a  certain  length  of  time  in  spite  of  all  we  may  do.  In 
«»uch  cases,  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  have  the  animal  comfortably 


DADD'S  VETERIHABT   MEDICINE  AND  SURGEKY. 

..used,  fed  on  a  light,  laxative  diet,  aud  pay  careful  attention  to 
the  condition  of  the  secretory  and  excretory  functions  of  the 
'x-ly. 

That  form  of  amaurosis  occasioned  by  a  deranged  condition  of 
the  digest ''.'e  organs,  plethora,  or  over-distension  of  the  same,  will 
erase  so  soon  as  the  cause  is  removed,  and  may  be  conpidered  as 
M  sympathetic  affection. 

What  that  cause  is  we  must  endeavor  to  decide  on  oy  careful 
examinati-m,  and  then  frame  our  plan  of  treatment  in  accordance 
with  the  indications  to  be  fulfilled. 

Should  \<e  consult  authorities  on  amaurosis,  we  shall  find  that 
much  diversity  of  opinion  exists.  You  ATT,  who  is  quoted  in 
this  country  by  some  persons  as  high  authority,  has  mistaken  the 
disease,  or  else  has  strangely  distorted  facts.  He  contends  th:(t 
"the  treatment  of  amaurosis  is  quite  as  difficult  as  that  of  cat;/- 
ract."  Now,  every  one  knows  that  cataract  occurring  among 
aorses  is  notoriously  incurable ;  and  Pehcivall  writes,  "  A  man 
tnust  be  able  to  perform  miracles  ere  he  cures  cataract." 

Now,  I  contend  that  amaurosis,  or  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  is  n(  t 
of  itself  a  disease,  bat  the  symptom  of  one  ;  hence,  between  L<<itf,' 
fact — fl  disease  res-^*ing  from  altered  structure  of  the  eye — aui 
amaurosis  there  ex^ocs  no  analogy.  "Whenever  altered  struetui« 
exists  in  the  mechanism  of  the  eye,  then  we  have  an  incurable  casi 

Mr.  SrooNER,  the  reviser  of  Youatt's  work  on  the  horse,  as- 
sures us  that  amaurosis  is  often  connected  with  diseased  liver, 
thus  controverting  Youatt's  theory  of  incurability;  for  animals 
often  recover  from  very  severe  attacks  of  liver  disease. 

I  have  called  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  the  opinions  ol 
You  ATT,  Percivall,  and  Spooner  merely  to  show  the  import- 
ance of  exercising  our  own  reasoning  faculties.  We  must  not 
place  too  much  confidence  in  mere  book  authority,  no  matter  how 
high  the  source,  unless  experience  and  intelligence  indrrses  the 
theory  or  facts  in  the  case. 

?]  }culative  and  fals^  theories  are  only  surface  deep.  They  need 
n*"!  i.ie  eye  of  the  philosopher,  nor  the  mental  genius  of  a  Web- 
Btei,  in  order  to  discover  their  flimsy  texture  and  develop  the 
truth.  Those  who  propose  to  do  their  own  thinking  have  the 
ftbility  to  judge  between  right  and  wrong.  Let  us  commit  'o 
memory  all  matters  which  appear  as  facts,  and  forgt>t  the  rest. 

Amaurosis  can  be  artificially  produced  by  administering  a  lew 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE.  43 

doseji  of  extract  of  belladonna,  and  this  amaurotic  state  of  the 
pupil  is  also  observed  during  etherization,  and  disappears  so  soon 
as  the  animal  is  restore*]  to  consciousness. 

Percivall,  informs  us  that  amaurosis  may  proceed  from  some 
abnormal  condition  of  the  optic  nerve  or  brain,  -which  may  prove, 
as  he  says,  the  last  link  of  a  series  of  marke<l  phenomena,  crigi 
Dating  in  some  remote  part  of  the  body,  operating  sympathetically 
on  the  nervous  system,  and,  through  it,  extending  to  the  eye. 
Cases  are  occasionally  met  with  which  may  be  termed  sym])tomatic 
amaurosis,  occasioned  by  congestion,  tumors,  or  hydrocephalus. 

Symtomatic  amaurosis  may  follow  cranial  fracture,  and,  con- 
sequently, depression.  In  such  cases,  the  skill  of  the  surgeon  i:^ 
jailed  into  requisition  to  trej)hine  the  uninjured  region  of  the 
skull,  in  order  to  elevate  the  depressed  and  fractured  parts.  The 
potent  remedy  is  the  removal  of  the  pressure.  Amaurosis  is  oc- 
casionally associated  with  anaemia.  Now,  anaemia  is  a  condition 
of  the  body  which  indicates  a  loss  of  the  circulating  fluid,  either 
of  quantity  or  quality.  The  remedy  for  this  condition  is  carbo- 
naceous food,  mineral  and  vegetable  tonics.  Preparations  of  iron 
and  golden  seal  are  the  best  remedial  agents. 

Si/mp(ovis. — I  shall  now  turn  the  reader's  attention,  for  a  mo> 
ment,  to  some  of  the  symptoms  attending  the  amaurotic  condition. 
The  head  of  the  patient  is  elevated,  and  he  is  known,  in  popular 
language,  as  a  "  star-gazer."  His  ears  are  kept  in  constant  mo- 
tion, one  turned  backward  and  the  other  forward,  in  quick  suc- 
ce-ssion,  to  catch  the  sound  of  approaching  vehicles,  so  that  he 
may  have  timely  notice  of  tlieir  whereabouts.  When  started, 
and  while  walking,  the  fore-feet  are  raised  from  the  grounvl  to  an 
unnecessary  height.  This  is  probably  done  for  the  purpo.-c  uf 
sounding  the  ground,  and,  at  the  same  time,  of  avoiding  obstacley 
which  may  lie  in  the  road;  for  the  sight  is  defective,  and  thf 
animil  must  depend  more  on  the  senses  of  hearing  and  feeling 

Should  such  an  animal  be  attached  to  a  vehicle  and  left  a!ont 
in  the  street,  we  shall  observe  that  wdien  an  omnibus  or  heavy- 
loaded  wagon  approaches  him  he  becomes  restless,  and  exiubita 
signs  of  fear.  Such  are  the  principal  symptoms  which  usually 
accompany  defective  sight,  or  total  paralysis  of  the  optic  nerve, 
producing  amaurosis. 

Treatment. — Sympathetic  amaurosis  should  be  treated  by  meanj 
of  antispasmodics  am^  »Jj  (-ratives.     One  ounce  of  tincture  of  as«N- 


44  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

felida  may  be  given  every  morning,  and  in  the  evening,  one  ouno« 
of  the  fluid  extract  of  sassafras.  So  soon  as  the  animal  regains 
h'lE  natural  vision,  the  medicine  may  be  discontinued. 

Foreign  Bodies  within  the  Eyelids. 

"When  foreign  bodies,  such  as  small  particles  of  hay  or  dirt,  gel 
within  the  eyelids,  they  create  great  pain  and  uneasiness,  and  if 
allowed  to  remain  there,  produce  a  very  grave  form  of  disease, 
often  ending  in  disorganization  and  total  blindness.  Should  any 
thing  of  the  kind  be  discovered,  it  may  be  removed  by  raising 
the  upper  or  depressing  the  lower  lids;  then  introduce  and  ex- 
plore the  eyeball  by  means  of  a  camel's  hair  pencil,  to  which  Ihe 
foreign  body  will  usually  adhere,  when  it  is  easily  brought  away. 
The  parts  should  then  be  sponged  with  lukewarm  water.  After 
the  lapse  of  a  few  hours,  should  the  membranes  of  the  eye  ant. 
lids  appear  much  reddened,  use  the  following: 

No.  1.  Rose  water 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  gelseminum 2  dr. 

Put  the  patient  on  a  diet  of  sloppy  bran  mash,  and  place  him 
where  the  rays  of  sunlight  shall  not  afF(>ct  the  eye. 

Films  or  Specks  on  the  Eye,  known  as  Opacity 
OF  THE  Cornea. 

Opacity  of  the  cornea  sometimes  results  from  injuries;  at  others 
they  are  symptomatic,  and  accompany  other  diseases.  They  are 
of  very  common  occurrence  in  the  various  stages  of  influenza  and 
other  catarrhal  affections,  and  sometimes  a  distinct  speck  will 
remain  long  after  the  disease  which  gave  rise  to  it  has  disappeared. 
The  author  remembers  many  cases  in  which  the  sight  has  been 
completely  destroyed  by  using  substances  of  a  corrosive  or  stimu- 
lating character.  The  proper  mode  of  treatment  is  to  bathe  lh« 
eye  occasionally  with  a  portion  of  the  following  lotion : 

No,  2    Fluid  extract  of  bloodroot 1  oz. 

Water 8  oz. 

Mix. 

Give  the  patient  one  ounce,  morning  and  evening,  of  fluid 

extract   of  phytolacca  decandra  (poke-root).     This  acts  as   an 

alterative,  and  will  expedite  the  cure. 


diseases  of  the  eye.  46 

Cataract. 

Cataract  in  the  horse  is  usually  the  result  of  previous  attacks 
of  disease.  It  consists  of  opacity  of  the  crystalline  lens,  or  the 
capsule  of  the  same.  The  disease  is  incurable,  because  if  an  opera- 
tion was  performed  for  the  breaking-up  or  depression  of  tbi 
cataract,  such  as  is  practiced  in  human  medicine,  vision  would 
Btill  be  as  imperfect  as  ever  without  the  aid  of  magnifying  glasses, 
which  would  be  a  great  inconvenience  to  the  horse,  and  scarcely 
of  any  practical  service. 

WoHM  IN  THE  Eye. 

Small  parasites  are  occasionally  observed  in  the  eyes  of  horses, 
lliey  float  about  in  the  watery  hamor,  often  for  a  great  length  of 
time,  without  appearing  to  do  any  mischief;  yet,  being  a  foreign 
body,  they  are,  to  say  the  least,  injurious.  The  author  has  never 
Buen  but  one  case  of  worm  in  the  eye,  and  that  occurred  in  a 
horse,  the  property  of  a  resident  of  Chicago.  The  animal  was 
kept  on  exhibition  for  the  inspection  of  the  curious,  and  was  the 
8»;ource  of  considerg,ble  profit  to  the  owner.  It  is  possible  that 
6\ich  worm  might  be  extracted  by  a  surgical  operation.  A  writer 
ui  the  "  Veterinary  Review"  thus  alludes  to  this  affection : 

"It  may  also  be  here  noticed  that  there  is  a  disease  which  fre- 
quently affects  the  eyes  of  horses  in  India,  but  which,  as  far  as  I 
Icnow,  has  never  been  observed  in  Europe.  A  worm,  which,  from 
the  description  I  have  received  from  different  people,  may  be 
ojmpared  to  the  common  ascaris,  is  generated  in  the  anterior 
chamber,  and  can  at  times  be  distinguished  swimming  about,  with 
apparently  great  vigor,  in  the  aqueous  humor.  It  produces  a 
great  deal  of  irritation  and  inflammation,  the  effects  of  whicL 
ultimately  destroy  the  organ.  The  natives  of  India  cure  the 
disease  by  making  an  incision  through  the  cornea,  and  extracting 
the  worm.  Though  I  have  never  had  an  opportunity  of  examin- 
ing an  eye  affected  with  this  curious  disease,  the  circumstantial 
accounts,  from  several  accurate  observers,  leave  no  doubt  in  my 
mind  of  its  existence;  and  the  fact  accords  with  what  is  known 
to  take  place  regarding  the  formation  of  worms,  not  only  in  the 
human  body,  but  more  particularly  in  the  liver,  lungs,  brain,  and 
other  orifv^  )f  the  inferior  animals." 


*3  dadd'8  veteelnart  medicine  a«d  surgery. 

Ophthalmia,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Ets, 

(Sometimes  called  "  Hooks.") 

This  is  a  very  common  aifectiou,  yet  a  most  painful  one,  aii 
can  not  well  be  mistaken.  The  animal  kfcpps  the  eyelids  closed 
TLey  are  more  or  less  swollen,  and  the  internal  surface  of  tiie  sami 
appears  very  red.  There  is  an  unnatural  flow  of  tears  running 
down  the  cheeks.  The  Jiaw,  or  nictitating  membrane,  is  swollen 
and  very  vascular.  This  condition  of  the  haw  is  knov»Ti  to  some 
persons  as  the  hooks,  and  serves  as  an  excuse  for  the  performance 
of  a  barbarous  operation,  not  sanctioned  by  science  or  common 
sense,  viz.:  amputation  of  the  haw,  which  only  aggravates  the 
disease,  and  deprives  the  horse  of  a  useful  appendage  to  the  organs 
^^f  vision. 

In  the  early  stage  of  this  aisease,  and  when  scalding  tears  ruii 
copiously  over  the  cheeks,  we  denominate  it  catarrhal  ophthalmia. 
The  disease  is  not  of  a  very  serious  nature,  but  oflen  becomes  so 
in  consequence  of  the  outrageous  treatment  practiced,  such  as 
bleeding,  purging,  and  the  local  application  of  lunar  causti<;. 
The  proper  mode  of  treatment  is  to  keep  the  patient  on  a  ligbt 
diet,  and  occasionally  bathe  the  region  of  the  eye  with  an  iufusioa 
of  poppies  or  hops ;  sometimes  with  tepid  or  cold  water,  as  the  ciU" e 
may  seem  to  indicate,  according  to  the  rational  judgment  of  the 
owner  of  the  afflicted  animal.  It  is  the  very  best  application  thsi 
can  be  made,  and  is  much  more  scientific,  according  to  the  dictum 
of  the  God  of  Nature,  than  many  of  the  agents  heretofore  used. 
The  fact  is,  many  indications  of  disease  designated  as  inflamma- 
tion are  curable  only  through  the  intervention  of  time  and  a 
rational  expectancy.  Don't  do  any  violence  to  nature  in  the 
use  of  des^^ructi /e  or  poisonous  agents,  and  should  the  case  be 
curable,  it  will  terminate  favorably  under  this  treatment.  Ac- 
cording to  the  dictum  of  the  schools  of  veterinary  medicine, 
inflammation  of  the  eye,  as  well  as  inflammatory  action  of  other 
parts  of  the  body,  has  to  be  treated  heroically,  which  system  of 
treatment  kills  mere  than  it  ever  cures.  As  the  subject  of  inflam- 
mation is  a  very  important  one,  worthy  the  attention  and  con- 
sideration of  American  husbandmen,  I  here  introduce  an  article 
from  the  pen  of  A.  S.  Copeman,  who  was  formerly  associated 
with  me  in  conducting  the  "Veterinary  Institute  of  Riston," 
Massachusetts : 


diseases  of  the  eye.  47 

Treatment  of  Inflammation. 

"  It  must  be  admitted  by  all  who  coutemplate  the  a«i;ual  stale 

4)f  medical  practice  at  the  present  day,  that  the  use  of  blood-let- 
ting and  of  other  antiphlogistic  remedies,  has,  within  a  recent 
period,  greatly  declined.  According  to  Youatt  and  Percivall, 
fe'jch  remedies,  and  more  especially  blood-letting,  were  formerly 
bighly  successful  in  arresting  diseases,  in  the  treatment  of  which 
we  nDw  know  they  not  only  fail,  but  are  even  highly  injurious. 
The  inference  has  been  drawn  from  these  supposed  facts,  that  in- 
flammation itself  is  no  longer  the  same ;  that  its  type  has  altered 
from  an  inflammatory  to  a  typhoid  character.  In  short,  it  seems 
to  hav^e  been  the  opinion  of  certain  writers  that  an  advanced 
knowledge  of  physiology  and  pathology  has  had  little  influence 
in  producing  this  great  revolution  in  our  treatment,  but  that  the 
constitutions  of  animals  are  fundamentally  altered,  and  that  medi- 
cal men  were  as  right  in  bleeding  thirty  years  ago  as  they  are 
correct  in  now  abstaining  from  it.  In  opposition  to  these  views, 
it  will  be  my  endeavor  to  show,  1st,  That  little  reliance  can  be 
)  'laced  on  the  experience  of  those  who,  like  Blain,  Percivall, 
and  Youatt,  were  unacquainted  with  both  histology  and  organic 
chemistry,  and,  per  consequence,  the  nature  of  inflammations  ; 
^d,  That  inflammation  is  the  same  now  as  it  has  ever  been ;  3d, 
That  the  principles  on  which  blood-letting  and  antiphlogistic 
remedies  have  hitherto  been  practiced  are  fallacious,  and  opposed 
to  pathology ;  4th,  That  an  inflammation  once  established  can 
not  be  cut  short,  and  that  the  object  of  judicious  medical  practice 
is  to  conduct  it  to  a  favorable  termination ;  5th,  That  all  positive 
knowledge  of  the  experience  of  the  past,  as  well  as  the  more  ex- 
act observations  of  the  present  day,  alike  establish  the  truth  of 
the  preceding  propositions  as  guides  for  the  future. 

1st  Proposition. — That  little  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the  ex- 
paricnce  of  those  who,  like  Blain,  Percivall,  and  Youatt,  icert 
unacquainted  icith  histology,  and,  per  consequence,  the  nature  of 
inflammations. 

Inflammation,  for  many  years,  was  generally  recognized,  espe- 
cially in  external  parts,  by  the  existence  of  pain,  heat,  redness, 
and  swelling,  and  in  internal  parts  by  fever,  accompanied  by 
pain  and  impeded  fiinction  of  the  organ  aflected.  In  fact,  groups 
of  symptoms,  in  accordance  with  the  nosological  systems  of  the  day. 


48  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

const)  d>eQ  inflammation.  But  the  school  of  morbid  anatomy, 
by  showing  that  inflammation  was  a  diseased  condition  of  a  part, 
eLtirely  overthrew  the  errors  and  confusion  inherent  in  all  such 
nosological  systems ;  while  more  recent  histological  research,  by 
exhibiting  to  us  that  inflammation  is,  in  truth,  a  disease  of  nutri- 
tion, governed  by  the  same  laws  that  determine  growth  and  waste 
of  the  tissues,  has  united  physiology  and  pathology  into  oui 
science,  and  has  removed  our  present  knowledge  still  further  from 
the  traditional  errors  of  the  ])ast.  Now,  if  it  could  be  shown  that 
the  group  of  symptoms  formerly  called  inflammation  always  in- 
duced the  same  morbid  lesions,  former  experience  might  still  be 
useful  to  us.  But  we  contend  that  this  is  what  clinical  observa- 
tion proves  to  be  impossible.  Such  are  the  contradictory  state- 
ments and  the  confusion  resulting  from  the  ur  acquaintance  of  the 
past  race  of  practitioners  with  a  correct  diagnosis  and  pathology 
ihat  no  confidence  whatever  can  be  placed  in  their  impressions 
as  to  what  cases  were  benefited  by  bleeding.  Medicine  is  not  a 
scientific  art,  which  is  dependent  for  its  principles  on  the  study 
of  a  commentary  on  the  older  writers.  AVhat  they  thought  and 
what  they  said  are  not,  and  ought  not,  in  a  question  of  this  kind, 
to  be  our  oruide  as  to  what  was  or  is.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  the 
book  of  Nature,  which  is  open  to  all,  that  we  ought  to  study ;  and 
why  should  we  read  it  through  the  eyes  of  past  sages,  when  the 
light  of  science  was  comparatively  feeble  and  imperfect,  instead 
of  bringing  all  our  improved  modern  appliances  and  advanced 
knowledge  to  elucidate  her  meaning  ? 

2d  Prop. —  That  inflammation  is  the  same  now  as<  it  has  exiet 
been. 

The  essential  nature  of  inflammation  has  been  already  alluded 
to,  viz.  r  a  series  of  changes  in  the  function  of  a  part,  terminating 
in  exudation  or  effusion  of  lymph.  Now,  what  proof  is  there 
that  any  of  these  necessary  changes  have,  of  late  years,  undergone 
any  modification?  If  a  healthy  animal  receives  a  blow,  or  any 
other  injury,  are  the  resulting  phenomena,  in  these  days,  in  any 
way  diflerent  from  those  which  took  place  in  the  days  of  YoUATl 
and  Percivall?  Were  the  effects  which  followed  wounds  in 
1830  different  from  those  which  resulted  from  similar  injuries  ic 
1860?  This  has  not  yet  been  shown.  Again :  if  a  healthy  horse, 
nowadays,  be  exposed  to  wet  and  cold,  and  be  seized  with  an 
inflammation  of  the  lung  or  pleura,  is  not  the  lung  hepatized  ia 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYE.  49 

the  one  case  ?  and  docs  not  effusion  follow  in  the  other,  in  exactly 
the  same  way  as  formerly  ?  But  what  should  this  asserted  change 
in  the  nature  ami  ciiaracter  of  inllammation  lead  ns  to  infer?  It 
is  said  that  inflammation  and  its  results  are  entirely  changed 
within  the  last  thirty  years.  It  is,  then,  argued  that  horses,  in  all 
parts  of  the  world,  since  the  days  of  Blaix,  Youatt,  and  I'eu- 
ciVALL,  have  become  so  debilitated  and  deteriorated  ;  that  tlieir 
constitutions  have  been  so  altered  for  the  worse  ;  that,  attacked 
by  the  same  lesion,  and  to  the  same  extent,  there  is  no  longer  the 
same  reaction.     If  so,  where  is  the  evidence  of  this  ? 

For  my  own  part,  I  have  earnestly  sought  for  but  can  not  dis- 
cover a  shadow  of  evidence  for  such  a  belief.  ^Moreover,  I  have 
a  most  lively  remembrance  of  all  the  facts  and  circumstances  con- 
nected with  the  bleeding  of  hundreds  of  patients,  tliirty  years  ago, 
when  I  first  commenced  the  study  of  veterinary  medicine,  and  my 
impression  is,  that  not  the  slightest  difference  exists  between  the 
character  of  inflammation  now  and  what  it  was  then. 

3d  Prop. — Tliat  the  pri)iciples  on  which  hlood-Icttlng  and  anti- 
phlogistic remedies  have  hitherto  heen  practiced  are  fallacious  and 
opposed  to  pathology. 

Large  and  early  bleeding  have  been  practiced,  under  the  idea 
that,  by  diminishing  the  amount  of  circulating  fluiil,  1st,  tiie 
inaterus  morhi  in  the  blood  would  be  diminished  ;  2d,  less  blood 
would  flow  to  the  inflamed  parts  ;  3d,  the  increased  quantity  of 
blood  in  the  part  would  be  lessened  ;  •ith,  the  character  of  the 
pulse  was  the  proper  index  to  the  amount  of  blood  that  ought  to 
be  drawn.  Let  us  examine  a  few  of  these  principles  of  practice. 
The  increased  throbbing  and  circulation  of  blood  in  an  inflamed 
part  may  be  shown  not  to  be  the  cause  of  inflammation,  but  the 
result  of  it,  and  that  the  idea  of  so-called  determination  of  blood 
to  inflamed  parts  is  fallacious.  Now,  if  we  attend  to  what  takes 
place  in  the  finger  from  a  thorn  entering  the  skin  and  remain- 
ing unextracted,  we  find  the  irritating  body  first  acts  upon  the 
cellular  constitutents — the  nerves  and  blood-vessels  of  the  part ; 
then  comes  on  the  congestion  and  exudation,  and,  lastly,  follows 
the  throbbing,  which  is  the  evidence  of  so-called  determination, 
and  result  of  the  inflammation,  and  not  a  cause  of  it.  The  blood, 
in  this  case,  instead  of  being  sent  by  a  vis  a  tcrgo,  is,  in  fact^ 
drawn  by  a  vis  a  fronte,  and,  as  we  shall  endeavor  to  show,  for 
the  most  important  purposes.  But  why  p'-ould  Nature,  in  cases 
4 


60  LADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

of  inflarLmation,  draw  an  increased  amount  of  blood  toward  the 
part?  She  does  so,  it  seems  to  us,  in  obedience  to  one  of  hei 
wisest  laws,  but  one  w^hich  has  been  too  much  ignored  by  medical 
practitioners.  It  must  be  obvious,  however,  that  an  inflamma- 
tion having  occurred,  the  great  work  now  to  be  accomplished  is 
the  removal  of  the  exudation — to  eliminate  from  the  inji^red  part 
either  directly  by  discharge  externally,  or  by  passage  into  thf 
blood,  to  be  finally  excreted  through  the  emunctorics.  In  all 
such  cases,  the  blood  is  not  sent  or  determined,  but  drawn  to  th« 
part,  in  consequence  of  the  increased  actions  going  on  in  them ; 
in  short,  it  is  absolutely  imperative  that  the  part  in  which  these 
changes  go  on  should  receive  more  blood  than  in  health.  But, 
hitherto,  medical  practitioners  have  supposed  that  this  phenome- 
non is  injurious,  and  ought  to  be  checked  by  blood-letting  and 
antiphlogistic?.  The  rapid  flow  of  blood,  which  is  so  necessary, 
they  have  sought  to  diminish,  and  the  increased  amount  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  part  which  is  jo  essential  for  the  restoration 
to  health,  it  has  been  their  object  to  destroy.  In  doing  so,  we 
argue  they  act  in  opposition  to  sound  theory,  and,  as  we  shaL 
afterward  attempt  to  show,  good  practice,  also. 

The  inconsistency  of  the  theraupeutical  rules  on  this  head  will 
become  more  manifest  when  we  remember  that  it  is  necessary,  in 
the  opinion  of  many  medical  practitioners,  not  only  to  weaken 
the  pulse  when  it  is  strong,  but  to  strengthen  it  when  it  has  been 
made  weak.  Now,  although  it  is  obviously  good  practice  to  su])- 
port  the  strength  when  the  calls  upon  the  nutritive  functiojis 
have  exhausted  the  economy,  it  is  injurious  to  diminish,  by  blood- 
letting, the  nutritive  processes  themselves,  when  they  are  busily 
engaged  in  operating  on  the  exudation  and  eliminating  the  mor- 
bid products.  In  short,  the  phenomena  of  fever  and  excitability 
accompanying  inflammation  have  been  wrongly  inteipreted,  and 
danger  is  to  be  apprehended  from  them,  not  directly,  but  from 
the  subsequent  exhaustion  which  all  great  exertions  of  the  animal 
economy  produce.  In  themselves,  these  exertions  are  sancdhe, 
and  indicate  the  struggle  which  the  economy  is  engaged  in  when 
attempting  to  get  rid  of  the  diseased  processes  ;  and  whenever  wtj 
lessen  the  vital  powers  at  such  a  critical  juncture,  we  diminish 
the  chances  of  that  struggle  terminating  favorably.  This  propo- 
sition seems  to  be  universally  admitted  in  the  case  of  essential 
fevers,  and  its  truth  ought  to  be  accepted  equally  in  inflammat'oa 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYE.  5^ 

It  has  been  argued,  however,  that  the  immediate  effect  of  bI(H)d- 
letting  justifies  the  practice.  But,  assuming  it  is  granted  that 
•n  some  cases  the  pain  is  for  a  time  relieved  by  l)Iecdinu-,  and 
that  in  pneumonia  the  respiration  temporarily  becomes  more  free 
'it  what  a  cost  are  those  advantages  obtained,  should  the  patient 
be  so  weakened  as  to  be  unable  to  rally !  Even  if  he  does  rally, 
a  large  bleeding  almost  always  prolongs  the  disease.  Of  course, 
^e  are  now  speaking  of  a  true  pneumonia,  and  not  of  that  com- 
bination of  symptoms  commonly  called  a  cliill,  or  lung  fever. 

4th  Prop. —  That  an  inflammation  once  established  cayi  not  bt 
cut  short,  and  that  the  object  of  Judicious  medical  practice  is  to 
conduct  it  to  a  favorable  termination. 

There  was  a  time  when  it  was  sujjposed  that  the  progress  of 
influenza,  distemper,  and  many  other  specific  fevers  which  are  no\? 
generally  allowed  to  run  their  natural  course,  could  be  arrested  by 
medical  interference.  But  with  regard  to  them  has  been  estab- 
lished the  principles,  first,  of  prevention,  and,  second,  when  this 
ffiils,  of  simply  conducting  them  to  a  favorable  termination. 

It  appears  to  me  that  the  same  rule  ought  to  hold  with  regard 
t  >  internal  inflammations,  and  that  this  will  be  admitted  when  it 
is  made  apparent,  not  only  that  every  inflammation,  once  formed, 
r  ms  through  a  definite  course,  but  what  that  course  is.  This  I 
now  proceed  shoftly  to  consider.  If  a  violent  blow  or  injury  has 
been  received,  a  greater  or  less  amount  of  exudation  is  infiltrated 
among  the  contused  and  torn  tissues,  which  undergo  disintegra- 
tion, is  absorbed  and  excreted  from  the  economy;  if  not,  it  col- 
Ucts,  in  the  form  of  a  fluid,  and  constitutes  an  abscess.  The 
s-ries  of  changes  here  referred  to  liave  always  been  found  to  bo 
best  perfected  in  animals  of  vigorous  constitutions,  while  in  the 
weak,  poor,  and  broken-do\\'n  they  proceed  slowly,  or  not  at  ,ill. 
Surely,  it  can  not  be  maintained  that  in  cases  similar  to  the  above, 
we  can  favor  the  reparative  processess  by  blood-lctliiig  and  low- 
ering the  strength  of  the  economy? 

But  in  internal  inflammations,  say  of  the  lungs  or  intestines, 
tit}  the  processes  different  ?  Certainly  not.  But  because  the  j)ro 
ees.'^cs  by  which  Nature  relieves  herself  have  been  hid  from  view, 
physicians  have  supposed  that  instead  of  treating  tiie  inflamed 
parts,  as  the  surgeon  does,  he  ought  to  attack  tlie  general  symp- 
toms which  result  from  the  lesion.  In  cases  of  fracture  and  cou- 
tosion  there  are  also  febrile  syini)toms,  increased  ]ndse.  and  b^  on: 


62  3ADDS  VETERINARY  SURGERY  AND  MEL>ICINE. 

but  does  the  surgeon  imagine  that  callous  will  form  better,  or  an 
abscess  be  resolved  or  reach  maturity  sooner,  by  general  blood- 
letting and  antiphlogistics ?  Experience  teaches  him  otherwise; 
and  in  the  same  manner  it  may  be  most  reasonably  argued  tl  at 
Buch  treatment  can  not  favor  the  natural  termination  of  internal 
inflammations. 

OTii  I^ROP. —  That  all  positive  knowledge  of  the  experience  of  ih* 
past,  as  well  as  tJie  more  exact  observation  of  the  present  day,  alih^ 
establish  the  truth  of  tJ^e  preceding  propositiwis  as  guides  for  iht 
future. 

Before  it  is  possible,  however,  to  determine  with  exactitude  the 
value  of  any  practice,  it  is  essential  to  ascertain  the  natural  dura- 
tion of  the  disease  we  propose  to  treat.  Fortunately,  we  have 
now  some  data  which  will  enable  us  to  arrive  at  this  informatioo 
with  regard  to  many  diseases.  We  have  seen  many  severe  cas€0 
of  pneumonia  submitted  t^^  homepathic  remedies — that  no  rea  • 
sonable  medical  man  can  suppose  to  be  any  thing  else  than  inert — 
vet  most  of  these  cases  got  well,  and,  I  think,  may  be  considered 
as  excellent  studies  of  the  disease  left  entirely  to  Xature.  Many 
years'  experience  and  close  observation  have  convinced  me  thai 
uncomplicated  pneumonia,  especially  in  young  and  vigorous  con  • 
stitutions,  almost  always  gets  well,  if,  instead  of  being  lowered, 
the  vital  powers  are  supported,  and  the  excretion  of  effete  pro- 
ducts assisted.  It  is  in  exactly  these  cases,  however,  that  we  were 
formerly  enjoined  to  bleed  most  copiously,  and  that  our  systematic 
works  even  now  direct  us  to  draw  blood  largely,  in  consequence 
of  the  supposed  imminent  danger  of  suppuration  destroying  the 
texture  of  the  lung.  Such  danger  is  altogether  illusory,  and  thfe 
destruction  to  lung  tissues,  so  far  from  being  pi  evented,  is  far 
more  likely  to  be  produced  by  the  practice.  In  fact,  the  onlj 
cures  in  which  it  occurs  are  in  the  aged  or  enfeebled  coustitutiona. 
in  which  nutrients,  and  not  antiphlogistics,  are  the  remedies  indv 
cat^y-l.  We  can,  however,  readily  understand  now  blood-lettings 
prsctiood  early,  and  in  young  and  vigorous  oonstitutions,  does  lesu 
liarra,  or,  to  use  a  common  expretssion,  is  "  borne  better,"  th£.ij 
when  the  disease  is  advanced,  or  t)ie  patient  weak,  and  this  be 
cause  then  the  vital  powers  are  Jess  afiected  by  it.  But  that  it 
cures  the  greater  number  of  aulnials  attacked,  or  shortens  tti»- 
duration  of  the  disease,  is  di^pi.ovcd  oy  every  fact  with  whicu  \v« 
are  acquainted.     Before  cijsia^  we  have  a  few  words  to  o6er  06» 


DISEASES   OF   THE    EYE.  63 

'  mercurials.*  The  confident  belief  in  their  power  of  causing  ab- 
sorption of  lymph,  by  operating  on  the  blood,  is  not  only  opposed 
to  sound  theory,  but,  like  blood-letting,  is  not  supported  by  ex 
perience,  which  has  been  so  confidently  appealed  to  in  their  favor. 
I  can  not,  therefore,  resist  the  conclusion  that  the  principles  which 
led  to  an  antij)lil()i;istic  j)ractice  in  inflammation  were  erroneoua, 
md  a^e  no  longer  in  harmony  with  the  existing  state  of  i)atho!ogy. 
I  think  it  has  been  further  shown,  that  in  recent  times  our  suc(vsa 
In  treatment  has  been  great  just  in  proportion  as  we  have  aban- 
doned Hieroic  remedies,'  and  directed  our  attention  to  furthering 
the  natural  progress  of  the  disease. 

Internal  inflammations  are  cured,  not  by  bleeding  and  drugs, 
but  by  a  natural  process  as  distinct  and  definite  as  the  process  of 
normal  nutrition.  What  we  may  do  by  our  interference,  may 
either  aid,  promote,  and  even  accelerate,  this  natural  tendency  to 
get  well,  or  it  may  very  seriously  impair  and  retard,  and  even 
altogether  stop,  tiuit  salutary  process.  If,  then,  this  view  of  the 
nature  of  the  means  by  which  inflammation  is  resolved  in  internal 
organs  be  correct,  it  is  not  unreasonable  to  assume  that  a  very  de- 
pressed state  of  vital  power  is  unfavorable  to  the  healing  process. 

liuleed,  if  you  watch  those  cases  in  which  nothing  at  all  has 
been  done,  or  in  which  nothing  has  been  done  to  lower  t6«  vital 
powers,  you  will  find  that  the  mere  inflammatory  process  itself, 
especially  in  an  organ  so  important  as  the  lung,  depresses  the 
strength  of  the  patient  each  day  more  and  more.  You  will  per- 
ceive, then,  that,  according  to  these  views,  there  are  strong  a  prion 
reasons  in  favor  of  the  ])olicy  of  U])holding  our  i)atients,  even  in 
the  earliest  stages  of  acute  diseases,  by  such  food  as  may  be  best 
suited  to  their  digestive  organs,  such  as  is  most  readily  assiini- 
late'd,  and  calls  for  the  least  eflbrt,  the  smallest  expen<liture  o/ 
vital  force  for  its  prinuiry  digestion — nutritive  matters,  tea 
sweetened  milk,  etc.,  and  also  alcohol,  which  is  directly  absorbed 
and  tends  to  keep  up  the  heat  of  the  body. 

If,  then,  it  has  been  satisfactorily  shown,  in  conscquen'^e  of  otir 
advanced  knowledge  of  diagnosis  and  pathology,  that  an  anti- 
phlogistic practice  is  opposed  to  the  cure  of  diseases,  it  follows  that 
many  of  the  principles  which  have  hitherto  guided  us  in  their 
treatment  must  be  considerably  modified.  That  medical  jjractice 
has  undero-one  a  great  revolution  duriniij  the  last  fifteen  vears,  is 
a  fact  alreadv  «o  well  established  that  it  can  be  no  longer  deuie<l 


64  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEUY. 

In  my  discourse  on  inflammation,  reference  was  maJe  to  iL« 
views  held  by  the  '  neuro-})athologists.'  Now,  nervous  pathology 
has  been  in  medicine  the  'great  scape-goat'  upon  which  more 
professional  sins  have  been  heaped  than  any  other.  'Nervoua 
exhaustion/  nervous  irritation,  etc.,  are  a  few  of  the  many  ternia 
witli  which  we  seek  to  cloak  our  ignorance  of  the  real  nature  of 
many  disorders,  the  intimate  nature  of  which  is  beyond  our  ken. 
Many  accomplished  practitioners  still  maintain  that  abnormal, 
vital  phenomena  may  be,  and  are  likely  to  be,  occasioned  by 
d}'namic  aberrations  alone,  and  that  such  phenomena  are  cor- 
rectly designated  as  functional  disease.  We  can  not  concur  in 
this  opinion.  Wl'at  is  called  force  of  every  description  is  con- 
nected with,  if  not  dependent  on,  changes  in  the  atoms  of  matter 
Force  is  the  hypothetic  agent  which  underlies  the  phenomena  of 
material  change ;  and  to  affirm  that  dynamic  modifications  of  vital 
function  may  exist  without  alteration  of  material  organization,  is 
to  ignore  the  fundamental  principles  of  philosophic  physiology. 
All  diseases,  therefore,  in  our  opinion,  is  organic,  even  mental 
and  nervous  diseases  of  every  kind  and  form.  Not  a  thrill  of 
sensation  can  occur,  not  a  flashing  thought  or  a  passing  feeling 
can  take  place,  without  changes  in  the  living  organism  ;  much  les? 
oan  diseased  sensation,  thought,  or  feeling  occur  without  such 
changes — changes  which  we  are  not  able  to  detect,  and  which  we 
may  never  be  able  to  demonstrate,  but  which  we  are,  nevertheless, 
certain  of.  For,  whether  we  adopt  the  theory  that  the  states  and 
things  which  we  call  heat,  electricity,  vitality,  etc.,  are  distinct 
entities  of  what  is  called  'imponderable'  matter,  or  the  far  more 
probable  theory  that  they  are  only  phenomena  belonging  to 
ordinary  ponderable  matter,  an  atom  or  a  cell,  charged  with 
electricity  or  heat,  or  in  a  state  of  chemical  activity,  is  essentially 
in  a  different  condition  to  a  cell  or  an  atom  in  chemical  or  elec- 
tricpl  equilibrium  with  surrounding  substances.  Organic  actions 
■".in  not  exist  without  corresponding  change:  in  material  con- 
iition.  The  only  force  capable  of  explaining  any  of  the  phe 
nomena  of  [iff  ^*s  the  chemical  one,  and  this  only  in  a  state  of 
constant  activity  and  interminable  change.  In  disease,  the  chemi- 
cal composition  of  the  cells,  or  general  matter,  is  altered  from  the 
standard  of  health,  and  this  alteration  of  chemical  composition  la 
the  real  groundwork  of  organic  disease.  Those  abnormal  states 
which  depend  upon  an  altered  ^'ondition  of  the  blood,  are  not  leaa 


DISEASES  OF   THE  EYE.  M 

bl.  .utly  organic  than  all  other  diseases ;  for  not  only  can  no  cnange 
ti.ke  place  in  the  composition  of  the  blood  without  in  some  de- 
gree affecting  all  parts  which  are  nourished  by  it,  but  that  tuia 
fluid  i-,  stiictly  speaking,  itself  a  living  organism,  aud  every 
change  which  takes  place  therein  is  organic.  Life  can  not  be 
arrested  without  material  change  in  the  organs  necessary  to  life. 
Kveiy  autopsy  in  which  we  fail  to  discover  these  changes,  proves 
aaercly  that  our  knowledge  of  life  and  death  is  defective,  not  that 
fche  changes  do  not  exist." 


Purulent  Ophthalmia. 

Purulent  ophthalmia  takes  its  name  from  the  profuse  discharge 
of  pus,  or  matter,  which  escapes  from  the  eyelids.  In  regard  to 
the  human  subject,  the  authorities  contend  that  there  are  several 
varieties  of  this  malady  prevalent  in  man,  one  of  which,  the  Egypt- 
ian ophthalmia,  is  contagious ;  but  no  such  disease  was  ever  known 
to  occur  among  horses. 

Causes. — The  various  maladies  which  affect  the  eyes  sometimes 
owe  their  origin  1o  accidents;  at  other  times  they  occur  in  badly 
^  entilatcd  stabler,  where  a  large  number  of  horses  are  congregated 
logether,  and  tl-r^n  they  are  supposed  to  be  contagious.  But  it  ap- 
j>ears  that  thc^  is  no  necessity',  in  such  case,  to  advance  the  theory 
of  contagion,  by  way  of  explanation  of  the  outbreak ;  for  the  same 
<ause  which  produced  the  malady  in  the  first  horse  would  be  more 
m  less  opo^ative  in  all  the  rest.  A  hot,  foul  atmosphere  las  a 
\ery  Hd  effect  on  the  eyes  of  both  men  and  horses.  The  mem- 
brane lining  the  eyelids,  which  also  covers  the  eyeball,  is  very  vas- 
cular and  sensitive,  and  is  extremely  susceptible  to  irritation  fro!ii 
the  action  of  the  ammoniacal  gases  which  prevail  in  foul  stables , 
hence,  in  order  to  prevent  the  disease,  proper  attention  must  bf 
paid  to  ventilation  and  cleanliness. 

Treatment. — For  the  treatment  of  purulent  ophthalmia  Ine  au- 
thor recommends  the  following  lotion : 

No.  3.  Powdered  chlorate  of  potass \  oi. 

Fluid  extract  of  matico 1  oi. 

Water 8  oi. 

Mix. 

A  portion  of  this  lotion  should  be  applied  to  the  eyes,  by  m«aj3« 
of  a  soft  sponge,  two  or  three  times  a  day ;  the  eyes  as  well  as  th« 


66  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

lids  must,  however,  be  previously  cleansed  with  lukewarm  water 
The  patient  should  have  a  few  doses  of  fluid  extract  of  poke-root. 
About  half  an  ounce  of  the  extract,  night  and  morning,  will  suflBce, 
wnich  will  act  as  an  alterative. 


Specific  Ophthalmia. 

This  form  of  disease  aifects  animals  periodically,  and  is  deperd 
ent  on   some   peculiar   predisposition;  hence   it  may  be  termed 
hereditary. 

Symptoms. — There  usually  comes  on  very  suddenly,  per  naps  iu 
a  single  night,  a  great  tenderness  in  one  eye,  commonly  marked  by 
the  eyelids  being  shut,  a  copious  secretion  of  tears,  the  white  of  the 
eye  appearing  slightly  red,  and  the  whole  anterior  chamber  of  the 
eye  dim  and  clouded,  there  being  no  distinct  speck  on  the  corne-i, 
as  takes  place  in  the  common  inflammation  of  the  eye.  The  re(\- 
ness  of  the  eyeball  is  never  very  remarkable,  even  thougli  tie 
disease  assumes  its  most  aggravated  form;  but  the  dimness  of  tl  e 
anterior  chamber  increases  rapidly,  and  in  two  or  three  days,  or 
even  a  shorter  period,  a  yellow  spot  appears  at  the  bottom  of  th;vt 
cavity,  arising  from  the  formation  of  pus.  Sometimes  the  quantity 
of  pus  is  very  considerable,  and  I  have  seen  it  fill  at  least  tw(v- 
thirds  of  the  anterior  chamber.  After  lasting  one,  two,  or  thr(<^ 
weeks,  the  inflammation  and  watering  usually  begin  gradually  1c 
subside.  The  pus,  though  in  very  large  quantity,  is  gr>nietimi>s 
almost  entirely  absorbed,  so  that  scarcely  any  vestige  is  to  be  scon  ; 
and  in  other  instances  thin  webs  of  opaque  matter  remain,  which 
destroy  the  transparency  and  luster  of  the  eye,  and  which,  by  iheir 
adhesion  to  the  edges  of  the  pupil,  interfere  with  its  motions  and 
destroy  its  form. 

It  is  astonishing  how  acute  dealers  in  horses  are  in  discovering 
an  eye  which  has  had  an  attack  of  tliis  kind. 

Sooner  or  later,  while  the  horse  appears  in  a  state  of  pcTfect 
health,  the  eye  is  again  attacked,  the  disease  being  accomjianied  by 
the  same  symptoms,  making  a  similar  progress,  and  having  the 
same  termination,  while  each  new  attack  is  accompanied  with  the 
deposition  of  more  and  more  opaque  matter.  These  attacks  suc- 
ceed each  otlier  at  very  different,  and  sometimes  at  very  distant, 
intervals,  until  the  whole  pupil  is  filled  with  an  opaque  white 
aiafter,  and  the  sight  of  the  eye  com])k'tely  destroyed. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 


57 


During  this  progress,  the  disease  is  often  confined  to  one  eye;  &( 
least  one  eye  is  usually  much  more  severely  affected  than  the  other. 
In  seme  cases  the  two  eyes  are  simultaneously  affected,  and,  finally, 
'  J  a  succession  of  attacks,  the  horse  becomes  completely  bliud. 
Tb«»  probability  is,  that  after  a  horse  has  suffered  several  tinsei 
9inm  periodical  attacks  he  will  finally  become  blind. 

Treatment. — The  same  treatment  as  rp^>in  mended  for  oomsaoa 
>}3.iuiimation  of  the  eye  is  applicable  to  this  comj)lamL 


SECTION   III. 

DISEASES    OP    THE    BRAIN    AND   NERVOUS   SYSTEM 

Abscess  within  the  Substance  of  the  Brain — Hydrocephalus,  or  Deopsi  o^ 
THE  Brain — Stomach  Staggers — Apoplext,  or  Cerebral  Heuorruagb — 
Apoplexy  of  Spine,  or  Spinal  Hemorrhage,  producing  Parapiilegia — 
Epilepsy,  or  Fits — Tetanus — Vertigo — Acute  or  General  Disease  of  thi 
Bkain,  known  as  Encephalitis — Sleepy  Staggers — Cerebral  JNIeninoitis-  - 
Chorea,  or  Strinqhalt. 

Abscess  within  the  Substance  of  the  Brain. 

THE  author,  having  some  doubts  about  the  curability  of  abscej  ^ 
within  the  brain,  can  not  offer  the  reader  much  encourag<" 
ment  as  regards  the  cure;  yet,  for  the  purposes  of  research,  and  in 
view  of  prosecuting  our  Samaritan-like  calling  on  a  noble  antl 
valuable  animal,  it  is  proper  that  the  reader  be  put  in  possession 
of  the  facts  in  the  case.  The  symptoms  and  morbid  conditions 
connected  with  various  forms  of  brain  disease  are,  at  the  present 
state  of  our  knowledge,  very  obscure.  Even  in  human  practice,  the 
authorities  contend  that  the  subject  of  symptoms  and  conditions  is 
fiill  of  uncertainty  and  apparent  irregularity.  Doubtless  there  is 
some  constant  and  uniform  connection  of  cause  and  effect  between 
the  altered  physical  states  of  the  brain  and  the  altered  manifesta- 
tions of  its  functions,  but  we  have  not  yet  been  successful  in  our 
search  after  those  settled  relations,  nor  have  we  but  partial  and 
imperfect  glimpses  of  them. 

Cau92S. — It  is  probable  that  the  same  causes  which  produce 
tbsc^ss  in  other  parts  of  the  body,  not  clearly  traceable  to  local 
injuries,  are  operative  in  regard  to  the  brain.  Abscess  is,  ai  a 
matter  of  course,  always  preceded  by  an  active  stage,  known  sa 
inflammatory,  and  when  not  called  into  existence  by  local  injury, 
must  depend  on  both  predisposing  and  exciting  causes.  The  pre- 
disposition lurks  in  breed,  and  the  exciting  causes  may  be  amoflg 
^8) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 


A  HOUSE  BENT  ON  MI8CH1W— THE  8CBJKCT  OF  PHEE.NITI8. 


thoM  which  produce  disorder  in  the  digestive  fuuctiou  or  organs. 
It  is  well  known,  however,  that  this,  like  some  other  diseases  of 
the  brain,  is  constantly  occurring  among  members  of  the  human 
family  as  well  as  the  equine  species,  they  being  the  subjects  of 
constitutional  defect  in  the  form  of  scrofula.  Derangement  of  the 
digestive  organs  almost  always  affect  the  brain,  in  eonsequence  of 
sympathetic  relations  existing  between  the  two.  Hence,  in  view  of 
preventing  disease  of  the  biain,  we  must  keep  the  stomach  in  good 
working  order,  by  means  of  an  intelligent  system  of  dietetics,  and 
the  exhibition  of  sanative  medicines  when  they  seem  to  be  needed. 
Symptoms. — The  observable  symptoms  of  abscess  within  the  briu 
do  not  differ  materially  from  those  which  are  present  in  dropey  of 
the  brain.  In  the  early  stage,  the  animal  appears  lethargic,  sleepy 
und,  when  urged  to  move,  reels  and  comes  near  falling.  The  nead 
is  usually  somewhat  depressed,  yet  it  is  often  inclined  to  one  side: 
the  pupil  of  the  eye  is  dilated,  and  the  membranes  of  the  lids  are 
congested  and  reddened.  As  the  disease  advances,  a  state  of  torpor 
t  ftfl  in.  Blindness,  from  pressure  on  the  brain,  ensues;  the  animal 
gets  upon  the  floor,  soon  abrades  the  skin  from  the  regions  of  the 
hips  and  shoulders,  until,  as  a  matter  of  charity,  the  owner  put* 
AD  end  to  the  sufferings  of  the  patient. 


-60  DADbS  VETERINARY  MEDiCINE  AND  SURGERl. 

The  lethargic  condition,  therefore — dilated  pupils,  torpofj  and 
feeling  of  the  animal — indicate  this  serious  difficulty  in  the  sul>> 
«tance  of  the  brain  or  its  cavities. 

Treatment. — Should  the  surgeon  or  the  proprietor  of  the  affected 
Animal  desire  to  attempt  a  cure,  the  author  recommends  the  following : 

No.  4    Fluid  extract  of  stillingia,  (queen's-root,)  4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  bloodroot 3  oz. 

Powdered  iodide  of  potass 1   oz. 

Water 6  oz. 

Dissolve  the  iodide  in  the  water,  and  then  add  the  stillingia  and 
bloodroot. 

Dose,  two  ounces,  twice  daily.  Local  treatment  in  this  malady 
does  not  amount  to  much,  if  any  thing  at  all,  for  the  only  way  in 
which  the  matter  within  the  brain  can  be  got  rid  of,  if  got  rid  of 
at  all,  is  by  exciting  the  absorbents  to  action,  so  that  the  matter  may 
be  absorbed.  At  the  same  time,  alteratives  are  to  be  used ;  and,  for 
this  purpose,  the  above  prescription  is  recommended. 


Hydrocephalus  (Dropsy  op  the  Brain), 

Hydrocephalus  is  the  termination  of  some  disorder  in  the  brain 
itself,  or  the  membranes  surrounding  it ;  yet  some  medical  writers 
contend  that  dropsy  is  rather  a  symptom  of  disease  than  disease  in 
itself  It  may  be  so  in  some  cases,  which  constitutes  the  exception 
to  a  general  rule;  but  the  author  regards  dropsy  of  the  brain  as 
the  last  stage  of  organic  disease  of  that  organ.  On  the  dissectior 
of  the  brain  of  some  horses  that  have  died  of  this  malady,  scrofu- 
lous tubercles  are  often  found  in  the  substance  of  the  brain,  and 
tubercular  deposits  also  manifest  themselves  on  the  membranes  cov- 
ering the  brain.  In  fact,  the  pathological  appearance  revealed  on 
dissecting  the  brain  of  a  horse  which  has  died  of  hydrocephalus 
does  not  differ  from  that  found  in  the  human  subject.    CoxDiE  says : 

"  Tubercles,  varying  in  size  from  that  of  a  pin's  head  to  that  of 
a  pea,  are  very  generally  found  scattered  irregularly  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  pia  mater,  following  it  between  the  convolutions.  Occa- 
sionally, however,  they  occur  in  distin-et  jjatches  of  an  inch  or  more 
in  extent.  They  are  commonly  hard  and  semi-transparent ;  some- 
times opaque,  and  of  a  whitish,  grayish,  or  yellowish  color.  They 
are  found  upon  all  j>arts  of  the  surface,  the  convex  and  lateral  por- 
tions as  wll  as  the  base,  in  the  infractuosities  of  the  convolutions, 


i>lSEASES  OF  THE  BHAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  61 

and  in  the  fissures.  According  to  Rilliet  and  Barthez,  they  are 
more  frequent  upon  the  convex  surface  of  the  heniis])heres  than  at 
the  base.  Dr.  Hamernjh  found  them  more  frequently  at  or  near 
the  base  of  the  brain.  They  are  much  more  abundant  upon  the 
brain  than  upon  the  cerebeHura.  They  are  met  with,  also,  imbed- 
ded in  the  grav  matter  of  the  brain,  and  are  here  often  surrounded 
hy  a  hal(j  of  redness,  usually  connected  \vi!;h  an  enlarged  vessel, 
ramifying  from  the  pia  mater.  More  rarely,  tubercles  are  detected  in 
I  he  medullary  portion  of  the  brain,  where  they  are  often  overlooked, 
in  consequence  of  their  pale,  semi-transparent,  yellowish  tint.  The 
plexus  choroides  is,  also,  often  covered  with  tubercles.  They  are 
very  commonly  met  with,  likewise,  on  the  serous  membranes  of 
the  thorax  and  abdomen,  in  the  lungs,  and  occasionally  in  the  sub- 
stance of  the  liver.  In  twenty-seven  out  of  thirty-three  cases  of 
hydrocephalus,  Barthez  and  Rilliet  found  tubercles  or  granula- 
tions associated  with  inflammation  of  the  pia  mater;  \n  four  cases 
the  meningitis  was  unattended  by  any  trace  of  tubercular  deposition 
in  the  encephalon ;  and  in  two  cases  the  granulations,  or  meningial 
tubercles,  were  unattended  with  any  traces  of  inflammation.  In  all 
tlie  thirty-three  cases  the  symptoms  were  nearly  identical." 

Causefi. — Among  the  causes  of  this  disease,  therefore,  we  may 
consider  the  scrofulous  diathesis  as  being  the  most  potent;  yet  we 
can  not  always  prove  the  fact  until  after  the  death  of  our  patient. 
Yet  an  autopsy  held  on  such  a  case  is  really  valuable  to  the  inquiring 
mind ;  for,  in  discovering  the  true  patholog}'  of  the  aifcction,  we  are 
not  only  enabled  to  comprehend  its  character,  but  also  the  modus 
operandi  of  treatment. 

The  exciting  causes  of  the  malady  are  not  always  so  apparent. 
The  authoi  has  known  it  to  follow  castration,  puncture  of  the  foot^ 
staggers,  and  acute  disease  of  the  stomach. 

In  some  cases,  faulty  nutrition  is  the  exciting  cause;  in  shcrt^ 
the  symntoms  sometimes  supervene  on  the  subsidence  of  some 
other  malady. 

Symjjtonis. — As  regards  the  symptoms  of  hydrocephalus,  they  do 
not  differ  materially  from  those  alluded  to  in  the  preceding  article. 
At  first,  torpor,  unconsciousness,  unsteadiness  on  raovmg ;  dilation 
of  the  pupil ;  the  animal  gets  upon  the  floor,  in  many  cases  nevei 
to  rise  again.  Stertorous  (grunting)  breathing  takes  place ;  the  ani- 
mal tosses  hi^  head  about  in  an  unnatural  manner,  often  throwing 
it  backwaid— a  verv  noticeable  feature  of  this  affection — occasion- 


!>2  DADD"S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND   "iUKOERT. 

ally  raiblng  it  from  tlie  ground.     Fmally,  ccnvuLsions  set  in,  anJ 
the  subject  dies  in  that  state,  perfectly  unconscious. 

WTien  hydrocephalus  occurs  after  phrensy,  or  what  is  known  w 
''*  mad  staggers,"  it  always  proves  fatal. 

Treatment.  —  For  the  treatment  of  hydrocephalus  give  the  fol 

iowiog: 

No.  5.  Fluid  extract  of  buchu 4  oz. 

Water 6  oz. 

Iodide  of  potass 2  oz. 

Mix. 

Dose,  two  ounces,  morning  and  evening. 

The  patient  should  have  injections  of  soap-suds,  once  or  twice 
daily ;  and  should  the  disease  have  made  its  appearance  very  sud- 
denly, or,  in  othrr  words,  be  of  an  acute  character,  so  that  the  par1« 
in  the  region  of  the  brain  feel  hot,  they  should  be  then  sponged  very 
frequently  with  cold  water ;  then  give  two  drachms  of  fluid  extra*  t 
of  geLseminum  twice  daily,  until  the  pulse  feels  soft,  or  until  tbe 
acute  stage  subsides. 

Stomach  Staogeiws. 

The  ceiebral  disease  usually  denominated  stomach  staggers  pro 
vails  among  horses  which  are  overfed,  whereby  the  function  of 
digestion  becomes  deranged  ;  and  thus  the  food  given  accumulates, 
and  finally  gorges  the  stomach,  producing  cerebral  derangement, 
which  makes  the  horse  reel  and  stagger  like  a  drunken  man.  The 
horse  may  be  said  to  be  drunk  from  the  effect  of  food.  Sometimi?* 
the  cause  is  accidental.  A  horse  gets  loose  in  the  stable,  and,  find- 
ing a  lot  of  meal  or  oats  incautiously  exposed,  he  devours  vora- 
ciously a  large  quantity,  and  very  soon  after  becomes  the  subject 
cf  stomach  staggers. 

Symptoms. — A  stomach  surcharged  with  food,  without  any  ao- 
oompanying  distension,  does  not  appear  to  occasion  any  local  pain, 
but  operates  with  that  kind  of  influence  upon  the  brain  which  gives 
rise  to  symptoms,  not  stomachic,  but  cerebral ;  hence  the  analogy 
between  this  disease  and  staggers,  and  the  apj)ellation  for  it  of 
"  stomach  staggers."  The  unnaturally-filled  stomach  produces,  for 
the  first  time,  a  sense  of  satiety ;  the  horse  grows  heavy  and  drowsy, 
reposes  his  head  upon  the  manger,  falls  asleep,  and  makes  a  ster- 
torous noise.  All  at  onop.  he  rouses  from  his  lethargy,  and  violently 
thrusts  his  head  against  the  rack  or  wall  of  the  stable^  or  any  thing, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  63 

in  fact,  til  at  happens  to  oppose  him,  and  in  this  posture  paws  with 
his  fore-feet,  or  performs  the  same  action  with  them  as  he  would 
rt'ore  he  trotting,  evidently  all  the  while  unconscious  of  what  he  is 
alout.  His  eye,  which  at  first  was  full  of  drowsiness,  has  now 
acquired  a  wild,  unmeaning  stare,  or  has  already  hecouie  dilated 
and  insensible  to  light.  The  respiration  is  tardy  and  oppressed ; 
the  pulse  slow  and  sluggish  ;  the  excretions  commonly  diminLshed. 

The  late  Professor  Coleman  used  to  relate  a  circumstance,  in 
Lis  lectures,  connected  with  this  disease,  which  throws  considerable 
light  on  its  origin.  The  artillery  horses  stationed  in  Loudon  dur- 
ing the  winter  of  1817  suffered  very  considerably  from  stomach 
staggers ;  so  much  so  that  it  was  considered  to  be  endemical,  and 
of  an  infectious  character.  With  his  usua.l  })enetratiou,  he  soon 
tiiscovered  the  cause,  and  found  that,  from  some  new  regulations 
ubout  that  time,  the  stablemen  were  not  allowed  any  candles,  and 
during  the  winter  the  horses  were  bedded  up  at  five  o'clock  in  the 
wvening,  and  not  fed  again  until  eight  o'clock  on  the  following 
iQorning,  when  they  consumed  their  breakfast  voraciously,  gorging 
iheir  stomach,  not  to  the  degree  likely  to  produce  acute  indiges- 
lion,  but  sufficiently  distending  them  as  to  opjiress  the  blood-vessela 
».nd  the  circulation  through  them.  This  j)ractice,  contiuucd  day 
>fter  day,  caused  a  sjjeciJiG  inflammation  of  the  stomach — an  inflam- 
mation of  a  peculiar  character,  differing  from  gastritis  or  inflam- 
mation of  the  part.  The  symptoms  produced  were  regarded  aa 
tBSulting  from  the  sympathetic  connection  between  the  stomach 
».nd  the  brain,  united  to  the  effects  that  would  ai'ise  from  the  daily 
distension,  throwing  a  vast  quantity  of  blood  on  the  brain.  An 
iirder  was  obtained  for  candles  for  the  use  of  the  stablemen,  which 
enabled  thi  horses  to  be  fed  at  a  later  hour  in  the  evening,  and  an 
earlier  one  in  the  morning,  when  the  disease  disappeared. 

A  common  error  still  prevails,  in  many  districts,  that  staggers  is 
a  contagious  disease ;  but  should  the  horses  on  a  farm  be  attackwj 
occasionally  with  slight  fits  of  this  kind,  the  farmer  may  reel 
Msured  that  there  is  mismanagement  somewhere  in  the  feeding 
department. 

From  auch  evidence  as  this,  it  will  he  inferred  that  there  exists 
tto  doubt  regarding  the  cause  of  stomach  staggers. 

Treatmnil. — We  now  propose  to  show  how  this  disease  ought  to 
be  treated.  The  proposition  of  cure  is,  that  the  digestive  function 
ahall  be  iroused^  and  the  only  way  to  accomplish  that  is  by  admin- 


M  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SDRGEBY. 

istering  bitter  tonics  and  stimulants.  In  this  vie  Vj  the  following 
prescription  is  offered : 

No.  6.  Fluid  extract  of  black  pepper... 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  giuger 6  oz. 

Hyposulphite  of  soda 2  oz. 

AVa  ter 4  oz. 

Dissolve  the  hyposulphite  in  the  water,  then  add  the  pepper  and 
ginger.  Give  the  animai  a  wine-glaa^ful  every  four  hours.  A 
Htimulating  injection  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum  occasionally, 
composed  of  a  handful  of  fine  salt  to  about  four  quarts  of  water. 

The  animal  should  be  allowed  to  stand  quietly  in  the  stall,  and 
the  medicine  must  be  given  with  care,  for  the  least  excitement  may 
augment  the  cerebral  difficulty.  So  soon  as  the  medicine  arousea 
the  digestive  functi  )n,  and  the  food  gradually  passes  the  pylorus 
into  the  intestines,  the  animal  will  obtain  relief.  Both  food  and 
water  should  be  withheld  until  there  is  some  marked  improvement , 
the  patient  has  had  enough  of  food  fr-r  some  time,  and  water  only 
retard^!  dijrestion. 


b^ 


Apoplexy  (Cerebral  Hemorrhage). 

As  regards  the  cause  of  apoplexy,  the  author  has  nothing  to 
offer,  except  he  has  noticed  that  the  subjects  of  this  affection  gen- 
erally have  short,  thick  necks,  and,  as  the  saying  is,  "  chunky  " 
heads.  From  this  he  infers  that,  in  so  far  as  conformation  is  con- 
cerned, there  lurks  in  the  system  of  such  animals  a  peculiar  pre- 
disposition. 

Symploms. — An  animal  may  be  on  the  road,  trotting  along  a^ 
usual,  without  any  apparent  impairment  of  health,  when  suddenly 
he  falls  down;  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  become  dilated;  stertorous 
breathing  sets  in;  a  deprivation-  of  the  sense  of  feeling  an^l  of  mo- 
tion immediately  occurs;  a  tremulous  motion  of  various  parts  ^ 
the  body  is  observed;  the  pulse  beats  with  unnatural  force,  /el 
the  animal  appears  to  be  in  a  deep,  snoring  sleep.  It  may  be  said 
that  the  functions  of  animal  life  are  suspended,  exce])ting  those  of 
respiration  and  pulsation.  The  animal  is  unable  to  swallow,  and  if 
fluids  be  })ut  into  the  mouth,  they  appear  to  choke  him,  or  thty 
run  out  again  at  the  corners  of  his  mouth.  The  prognosis  of  apo- 
plexy is  very  uncertain.  Some  horses  die  in  a  few  hou'',  while 
Jrthers  live  f  )r  several  days.     This  depends  on  tl  c  amount    '  blood 


IJISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  8YSTEM.  Qb 

extra vasated  on  the  surface  of  the  brain;  but,  in  most  cases  of 
cerebral  hemorrhage,  the  horse  falls  never  to  rise  again.  lie  niuj 
be  conveyed  home  on  some  vehicle  constructed  for  the  purpose,  but 
the  finger  of  Death  is  on  him ;  his  days  are  numbered,  and  the 
owner  charitably  puts  him  out  of  existence. 

The  reader  must  bear  in  mind  that  in  apoplexy  the  horse  falls, 
and  is  suddenly  deprived  of  all  voluntary  motion ;  is  insensible  to 
the  prick  of  a  pin,  and  the  breathing,  so  soon  as  he  is  on  the 
ground,  becomes  stertorous.  This  disease,  therefore,  is  not  to  be 
confounded  with  others  of  the  brain  and  spinal  marrow.  For 
example,  a  horse  may  have  an  attack  of  simple  apoplexy  without 
hemorrhage,  fall  down,  and,  by  judicious  treatment,  recover;  or 
he  may  be  the  subject  of  epilepsy,  which  occasions  a  temporary 
suspension  of  consciousness,  with  spasms  recurring  at  intervals. 
Hence,  in  case  of  doubt  or  mistake,  it  will  be  advisable  to  treat 
the  case  in  the  following  manner : 

Treatment. — Procure  a  few  ounces  of  spirits  of  ammonia,  with 
which  saturate  a  sponge,  then  apply  it  to  the  nostrils.  In  the  mean 
time,  sponge  the  head  with  cold  water,  and  rub  the  body  and  limba 
briskly  with  a  brush  or  whisp  of  straw.  If  he  revive  under  this 
treatment,  there  may  be  some  hopes  of  recovery ;  and  should  it 
appear  that  the  act  of  swallowing  can  be  performed,  give  a  drench 
composed  of 

No.  7.  Powdered  chlorate  of  potass 2  oz. 

Boiling  V  Iter h  V'^^^- 

When  cool,  administek-.  The  action  of  chlorate  of  potass  on  the 
blood  is  to  oxygenize  it,  and  thus  liberate  carbonic  acid  gas. 
With  the  same  object  in  view,  we  apply  ammonia  to  the  nostrils, 
viz. :  to  decarbonize  unpurificd  blood. 

Blood-letting  is  inadmissible,  for  it  can  not  accom})lish  any 
good  ,  neither  will  it  act  as  a  purificator  of  the  vital  current  which 
the  lunffs  have  fai'ed  to  arterialize. 

Apoplexy  of  the  Spine,  (or  Spinal  Hemorrhage, 
PRODUCING  Paraplegia.) 

Paraplegia  signifies  paralysis  of  the  posterior  half  of  the  body. 
Spinal  apoplexy  may  be  classed  in  the  same  order  of  disease  u 
cerebral  apoplexy — that  is  to  say,  in  so  fiir  as  the  ])alholog\'  of  thi* 
hvo  forms  is  concerned — and  is  usually  just  a-  <at:il. 
5 


66  DADD'S   ♦  LTERINARY  Mi^DICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Causes. — These  are  very  obscure,  except  in  cases  of  fracture  cf 
khe  spine,  or  injury  to  the  same,  by  falling.  Then  the  disease  ii 
accounted  for.    It  always  ends  in  paraplegia — palsy  of  hind  limbs. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  usually  sudden  in  its  attack.  A  pro- 
fuse perspiration  ushers  it  in ;  next,  the  hind  limbs  fail  to  support 
the  body,  and  the  animal  makes  desperate  efforts  to  support  him- 
eelf,  and  gradually  crouches  and  falls  to  the  ground,  unable,  p^T" 
haps,  ever  to  get  up  again. 

It  ha«  been  noticed  that  paraplegia  may  also  be  ocecasicned  by 
effusion  of  serum  within  the  coverings  of  the  sjiinal  cord ;  yet  we 
can  not  demonstrate  the  fact  only  by  autopsy ;  and  if  we  could,  I 
fear  that  medicine  would  be  of  little  value.  However,  if  it  is  the 
owner's  wish  that  the  case  should  be  treated,  then  the  same  course 
as  recommended  for  cerebral  apojDlexy  must  be  pursued. 

Epit.epsy —  Fits. 

Epilepsy  consists  of  a  temporary  suspension  of  consciousness. 
Phis  disease,  if  properly  managed,  is  not  often  fatal.  It  varies  in 
duration.  Sometimes  a  horse  will  suddenly  fall,  lose  all  sensibility 
and  consciousness,  exhibit  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  voluntary 
muscles,  go  into  convulsions,  recover,  and  get  up  again  in  the  course 
of  ten  minutes ;  or  he  may  lie  on  the  ground  and  have  a  succession 
of  paroxysms,  which  may  last  for  half  an  hour  or  more.  If  pro- 
tracted beyond  an  hour  or  so,  the  patient  is  very  apt  to  die.  Ac- 
cording to  the  best  authority,  "the  functions  that  are  affected  in 
this  disease  are  functions  of  the  brain.  Sensation,  thought,  and  mo- 
tion, regulated  by  the  will,  are  the  natural  functions  of  that  organ. 
The  temporary  abeyance  of  sensibility,  thought,  and  volition,*  and 
violent  and  irregular  action  of  the  muscles,  which  are  thus  with- 
drawn from  the  government  of  the  will,  constitute  a  paroxysm  cf 
epilepsy." 

The  fit  is  generally  brought  on  by  a  derangement  in  the  relation 
between  the  arterial  and  venous  circulation  within  the  head  and  a 
temp  jr  iiy  pressure  on  the  brain ;  in  other  words,  a  determination 

•  Horses  think  and  reason  just  as  man  does.  Their  manifestations  of  mind  do 
not  differ  from  ours  in  kind,  but  only  in  degree.  "The  noble  and  daring  war- 
horse,  when  he  sniffs  the  distant  field  of  blood,  neighing  for  joy,  instils  a  desper- 
ate courage  into  the  veteran  trooper's  quailing  heart,  gives  evi  l^Tce  of  a  soul, 
fctoe  prouer  attribute  of  man." 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BKAl.N    ^^V  JNJiKVUUS  SYSTEM.  >  i 

of  blood  to  the  head.  After  the  horse  has  fallen,  by  his  stnigglee 
and  herculean  efforts  to  battle  with  the  malady,  although  uncon- 
eiouslv,  he  soon  breaks  out  into  a  profuse  perspiration.  This  has 
the  effect  of  relaxing  the  capillaries  so  that  the  blood  circulates  more 
freely  and  uniformly.  An  equilibrium  of  the  circulation  takes  place, 
and  this  is  the  end  of  epilepsy  for  the  time  being.  But  a  horse  once 
having  had  a  fit  of  this  kind  must  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion ; 
for  he  ie  liable,  when  under  excitement  fix)m  wanton  punishment, 
or  from  exercising  great  feats  of  strength  in  drawing  heavy  loads, 
to  have  a  re-attack- 

Cause. — The  predisposing  cause  of  epilepsy  has  an  hereditary 
origin.  Horses  subject  to  it  have  a  misshapen  head.  It  is  not 
symmetrical — does  not  correspond  with  the  conformation  of  the 
neck  and  body.  In  the  language  of  the  turf,  "the  head  is  too 
coarse."  It  has  been  found,  also,  among  members  of  the  human 
family,  that  epileptics  have  heads  of  an  unnatural  shape.  Wat- 
son says :  "  There  is  no  doubt  that  a  tendency  to  epileptic  disease 
is  frequently  hereditary.  It  may  be  bequeathed  from  parent  to 
child,  or  it  may  skip  over  a  generation  or  two,  and  appear  in  the 
grandchild  or  great-  grandchild ;  or  it  may  be  traceable  only  in  the 
collateral  branches  of  the  ancestry."  Epilepsy,  however,  may  not 
always  arise  as  an  hereditary  affection ;  for  a  mere  passive  conges- 
tion of  the  brain,  owing  to  a  loss  of  equilibrium  in  the  circulatiop 
of  the  blood,  may  produce  it.  In  regard  to  tlie  horse,  it  is  xeT\ 
difficult  for  us  to  decide  on  the  universal  hcrcditariness  of  the 
iialady,  because  we  have  no  reliable  history  of  the  ancestry  and 
i.jjosyncrasies  of  our  equine  patients;  yet  if  we  study  carefully  the 
external  conformation  of  well-formed  horses,  and  make  ourselves 
conversant  with  anatomy,  we  shall  be  better  able  to  judge  whether 
or  no  such  an  animal  carries  about  with  him  the  inherent  tenden- 
cies to  particular  diseases ;  and  this  knowledge  will  make  up,  to  a 
certain  extent,  for  the  advantage  which  human  medicine  has  over 
the  veterinary  in  this  department  of  knowledge.  The  principal 
gymp^oms  of  epilepsy  are  as  follows : 

Symptoms. — Suppose  the  horse  attached  to  a  vehicle,  and  trav- 
eling along  at  any  given  pace.  He  gives  a  sudden,  snorting, 
loud  noise,  and  falls  to  the  ground  instantly,  as  if  felled  by  some 
unknown  power.  Here  he  lies,  to  all  appearance,  totally  uncon- 
scious, violently  convulsed  in  every  limb,  his  eyes  staring  aa 
tbouffh  they  would  burst  out  of  their  sockets;  the  mouth  foam» 


68  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SUPGERY. 

with  saliva,  and  violent  convulsions  \\ili  sometimes  affect  the 
whole  frame.  Such  are  the  principal  symptoms  attending  thi* 
formidable  malady. 

It  will  be  quite  a  novelty  to  some  of  our  readers  to  be  .n- 
formed  that  the  horse  is  actually  subject  to  the  same  diseases 
which  afflict  his  master ;  and  in  view  of  showing  that  there  is  s 
reality  in  the  author's  views  on  the  subject  now  under  consrdera 
tion,  the  following:  quotation  from  the  "Veterinarian"  is  offereiL 
It  will  show,  by  way  of  comparison,  the  features  of  the  Jiseasa 
as  it  occurs  in  the  horse  and  in  man  : 

"  In  the  first  place,  as  to  the  exciting  cause  or  causes.  It  is 
well  known  that  among  the  exciting  causes  of  epilepsy  in  the 
human  subject,  mental  or  moral  emotions  have  long  been  con- 
sidered as  holding  a  foremost  rank.  Without  going  into  detail 
on  this  subject,  or  offering  illustrations  of  this  statement,  it  will 
suffice  to  remark  that  the  experience  of  all  adequately  acquainted 
with  medical  literature,  or  tolerably  familiar  with  medical  prac- 
tice, can  not  fail  to  supply  them  with  numerous  instances  wherein 
this  class  of  causes  has  been  in  operation  as  concerned  in  the  pr<*- 
\ction  of  the  disease  in  question.  Over  and  over  again  I  ha\e 
"yself  witnessed  cases  of  epilepsy,  either  during  or  after  the  pa)-- 
^sm  or  fit,  in  which  I  have  had  good  reason  for  entertaining 
the  opinion  that  certain  mental  or  moral  emotions  had  largely, 
if  not  entirely,  contributed  to  this  result.  Now,  without  deny- 
ing that,  in  some  instances,  fright  may  so  far  affect  the  horse  aa 
to  prove  an  exciting  cause  of  epilepsy  in  that  animal,  still,  I 
think  that,  almost  as  a  general  rule,  the  class  of  causes  now 
under  consideration  may  be  excluded  from  further  notice  as  tend- 
ing toward  the  production  of  this  disease  in  the  horse. 

Assuming  this  position  for  the  sake  of  argument,  we  thus 
eliminate  at  once,  so  far  as  concerns  this  animal,  most  of  such 
ranes  of  epilepsy  as,  if  speaking  in  reference  to  the  human  sub- 
je<:t,  would  be  regarded  as  cases  of  epilepsy  of  centric  origin. 
Without  altogether  denying  that,  in  some  instances,  the  presence 
of  tumors,  or  morbid  growths,  or  excrescences  of  any  kind,  or 
of  spiculae  of  bone  in  certain  parts  of  the  brain,  or  s])inal  ccid, 
or  their  membranes,  may  occasionally  operate  as  causes  of  epi- 
lepsy, yet  I  am  by  no  means  prepared  to  admit  that  their  pres- 
ence in  such  places,  by  irritation  of  these  structures,  is  so  frequent 
«  cau«e  of  this  disease  as  is  affirmed  by  some  medical  authorities. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  B-RAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  6i 

Yet,  whatever  view  of  the  question,  whether  affirmative  or  nega- 
tive, may  be  taken,  the  same  reasoning  will  apply  equally  to  man 
and  the  horse  in  regard  to  the  disease  under  consideration.  We 
are  told  that,  in  some  instances,  such  foreign  bodies  have  been 
found  in  these  situations  on  examination  after  death.  This  I  do 
not  deny ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  the  evidence  that  these  had 
much,  if  any  thing,  to  do  in  the  production  of  epilepsy,  still  less 
that  the  disease  took  its  origin  from  them,  is,  in  my  judgraeuc, 
far  from  complete,  and,  in  some  cases  that  have  been  recorded, 
unsatisfactory  to  the  last  degree.  Again,  the  circulation  of  blood 
in  an  unh.calthy  state,  in  its  accustomed  channels  through  the 
substance  of  the  delicately-constructed  brain  or  s])inal  cord,  appears 
to  me  not  unlikely  to  be  a  frequent  cause  of  this  disease  in  man. 
The  comparatively  recent  physiological  researches  of  Dr.  Brown- 
Sequard  have  thrown  much  light  upon  the  heretofore  obscure 
pathology  of  epilepsy  in  the  human  subject ;  and  I  conceive  that 
his  arguments,  and  the  conclusions  deduced  therefrom,  are,  for  the 
most  part,  perfectly  applicable  to  an  animal  so  high  in  the  zoolog- 
ical series  as  the  horse  is  well  known  to  be." 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  the  horse  falls,  some  hay  or  straw  should 
be  placed  under  his  head  and  around  him.  Bathe  the  region  of 
the  cranium  with  cold  water,  and  carefully  wash  the  foam  from  his 
mouth,  taking  care  not  to  let  any  water,  hay,  or  dirt  enter  the 
nostrils.  Officious  persons  are  very  apt  to  attempt,  by  force  of 
strength,  to  raise  the  horse  on  his  legs ;  but  this  ought  not  to  bo 
dcme.  Let  him  rest  quietly  until  consciousness  returns ;  then, 
should  he  attempt  to  get  up,  help  from  the  bystanders  may  then 
be  of  some  service.  When  on  his  legs,  deal  gently  with  him.  Let 
the  external  surface  of  the  body  be  rubbed  until  the  skin  is  dry ; 
then  administer  two  ounces  of  fluid  extract  of  valerian,  and  let 
the  patient  be  provided  with  comfortable  quarters.  For  a  few 
days  the  patient  should  be  excused  from  work,  and  be  fed  lightly. 
The  only  way  to  prevent  a  re-attack  is  to  keep  him  at  light  work, 
and  tieat  him  in  the  most  gentle  manner,  both  in  the  stable  and 
out  of  it. 

In  cases  of  this  character,  as  well  as  many  others,  men  are  apt 
to  place  too  n\uch  confidence  in  medif^ine,  and  dose  the  animal  ac- 
cordingly ;  but,  as  we  understand  the  practice  of  medicine,  it  is  the 
province  of  the  good  physician  to  know  when  to  do  nnthine. 


10  DADD'S  VETERINARY  iMEDlCINE  AND  SURGERY. 


Tetanus,  or  TiOCKED  Jaw. 

"VVe  recognize  tetanus  by  the  unnatural  condition  of  the  muscle* 
of  various  })arts  of  the  body,  more  particularly  those  of  the  face 
and  neck.  But  the  fault  lies  not  in  the  muscles,  but  in  the  nervous 
system.  This  disease  constitutes  one  of  the  most  terrible  and  fatal 
to  which  the  horse  is  subject.  It  is  not  only  frightful  to  look  upon, 
but  is  productive  of  the  most  distressing  agony  to  the  animal. 


THE  TEST  FOR  TETANUS  OE  LOCKED-JAW. 


Ckft-AHATIOH.— On  placing  a  hand  andcr  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  and  pashing  the  bead  In  »n  af  wu4 
direction,  the  nictitating  membrane  (haw)  will  be  suddenly  thrown  partly  over  the  pnpil,  M 
■«en  in  the  above  picture.    This  is  the  diagnostic  symptom  of  tetanus. 

There  is  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  this  disease.  It  is  charao- 
leriz"d  by  involuntary  and  persistent  cramps  of  the  voluntary 
muscles.  The  muscles  which  seem  first  to  be  affected  are  those  of 
the  jaws,  ncck^  and  throat ;  and  soon  all  the  other  muscles  are  in- 
volved. One  of  the  principal  tests  for  the  discovery  of  the  disease 
ie  to  place  a  hand  under  the  jaw  and  raise  the  head.  Immediately 
the  haw,  or  nictitating  membrane,  shoots  over  the  eyeball.  (See 
cut.)  There  is  no  other  disease  with  which  tetanus  can  be  con- 
founded ;  therefore,  a  minute  description  of  the  symptoms  seema 
superfluous  at  this  point  of  our  argument. 

When  the  disease  affects  the  muscles  of  the  jaw  only,  it  is  called 
trismus ;  but  it  is  only  a  variety  of  the  same  disease,  and,  therefore, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SI  STEM. 

fcquiiea  tbe  same  treatment.  In  former  years  the  author  met  with 
but  little  success  in  the  treatment  of  this  malady,  yet  recently,  oy 
using  more  mild  and  sanative  agents,  he  has  been  very  fortunate. 
Bleeding,  purging,  and  blistering  has  had  its  day,  but  that  day 
has  now  past.  We  have  learned  that  to  do  violence  lo  the  animal 
sj'stem  is  not  to  do  good ;  and  our  aim  now  is  to  "  pair  oif "  with 
Nature,  endeavor  to  sustain  the  vital  powers,  or,  rather,  by  sanative 
medication  and  nutritious  fluids,  keep  the  animal  alive,  while  the 
disease  runs  its  course.  Physicians  have  no  power  to  arrest  the 
disease,  and  those  who  think  so  only  deceive  themselves  and  their 
employers ;  and  those  who  attempt  the  feat  of  cutting  the  disease 
short  by  heroic  medicines,  are  arrayed  in  hostility  to  Nature,  and 
an  unnecessary  death  is  often  the  consequence.  Any  of  our  readers 
who  happen  to  have  great  faith  in  drugs  will  probably  feel  little 
comfort  in  the  perusal  of  the  following  quotation,  uttered  by  one 
of  the  most  distinguished  physicians  of  France.  It  was  intended 
for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  but  it  also  applies  to  veterinar}'  medi- 
cine, simply  from  the  fact  that  the  diseases  of  animals  are  to  be 
treated  on  the  same  general  principles  which  apply  to  man  : 

"  The  sick-room  no  longer  resembles  the  sample  department  of 
of  a  drug  warehouse.  Our  physicians  have  consciences  and  com- 
mon sense.  They  recognize  Nature  as  the  great  antagonist  of  dis- 
ease, and  endeavor  to  assist  her  in  her  struggle  to  expel  it,  instead 
of  negatively  helping  disease  by  prostrating  the  physical  strength 
of  its  victims  with  drasti-c  cathartics,  cantharides,  and  the  lancet. 
In  ailments  for  which  gallons  of  medicine  were  given  half  a  cen- 
t  irv  ago,  as  many  ounces  are  not  administered  at  the  present  day, 
and  bleeding  and  blistering  have  almost  fallen  into  disuse.  Not 
long  before  his  death,  the  great  French  surgeon,  physician,  and 
medical  chemist,  Majendie,  told  his  pupils,  in  the  college  of  Franco, 
that  the  old  hospital  practice  was  mere  humbug;  that  he  him?flf 
had  prescribed  the  drugs  of  the  dispensary  at  the  Hotel  Dim,  in 
Paris,  without  having  the  least  idea  why  or  wherefore,  and  that  on 
administering  bread  pills  and  colored  water  to  one  division  of  his 
patients,  and  the  preparations  of  the  pharmacopoeia  to  another,  he 
found  that  the  mortality  was  least  among  those  who  took  no  modi- 
cine!  'You  tell  me,'  said  this  extraordinaiy  man,  in  one  of  the 
lectures  of  his  final  course,  '  that  doctors  cure  people.  I  grant  you 
people  are  cured.  But  how?  Gentlemen,  Nature  do(>,s  a  good 
deal;  imagination  docs  a  jrood  deal.     Doctors  do  very  little,  wlier 


72  DADDS  VETERINARF  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEKT. 

tliey  don't  do  harm.  You  ask,  then,  what  is  the  use  of  attending 
medical  lectures  ?  I  '11  tell  you.  We  come  here  (to  the  college  of 
France)  to  study  Nature,  to  learn  to  reinforce  and  aid  Nature,  not 
to  spin  fine  theories.  I  would  not  give  a  ceiitime  for  all  the  theories 
in  the  world.     Give  me  stubborn  facts.' 

"  Such  was  the  bold  and  candid  language  of  one  of  the  greatest 
anatomists  and  ])hysicians  of  the  age  but  a  short  time  before  his 
death.  Our  medical  men  do  not  take  quite  such  strong  ground  as 
Majendie  took,  but  they  show  their  lack  of  faith  in  what  waa 
formerly  called  S'igorous  treatment'  by  sparing  medication,  and  a 
still  more  limited  use  of  the  lancet  and  other  mechanical  means 
of  depletion.  Nature,  after  having  been  professionally  misused  for 
centuries,  seems  at  last  to  have  found  a  friend  and  ally  in  the 
medical  faculty." 

We  now  come  more  directly  to  the  treatment  of  tetanus;  and,  in 
view  of  showing  what  unwarrantable  outrages  are  perpetrated  en 
the  poor  uncomplaining  brute,  the  following  article  is  here  intro- 
duced : 

"  Wounds  of  tendinous  and  ligamentous  parts  are  the  commcn 
cause  of  tetanus,  more  generally  known  as  locked-jaw,  so-calkd 
because  the  first  symptoms  of  the  violent  spasmodic  affection  are 
detected  in  the  jaw.  Castration,  nicking,  docking,  lacerations,  and 
punctures,  particularly  of  the  feet,  are  the  kinds  of  wounds  thut 
end  in  tetanus.  Even  slight  contusions  will  bring  it  on.  It  is  a 
dreadful  and,  too  often,  a  fatal  disease.  The  animal  is  nearly 
paralyzed  by  the  constant  spasm  of  all  the  voluntary  muscles. 
The  symptoms  are  unmistakable :  First,  a  certain  stiffness  about 
the  throat,  and  difficulty  in  swallowing  or  turning  the  head.  This 
gradually  extends  to  the  jaws,  contracting  the  mouth.  The  hor!<e 
possesses  a  desire  to  masticate,  but,  in  the  earliest  stage  of  the  din- 
ease,  the  work  is  imperfectly  performed,  with  great  pain.  The  eyiis 
become  vivid  in  appearance,  and  present  a  retroverted  aspect.  The 
disease  continues  to  spread,  and  when  it  affects  the  voluntary  mus- 
cles of  the  trunk  and  the  extremities,  the  animal  becomes  a  living 
picture  of  agony  and  distress.  The  cocked  yet  quivering  tail,  the 
distended  legs,  the  contraction  of  the  abdominal  muscles,  the  trem- 
ulous and  irregular  pulse,  the  hurried  respiration,  the  sweat-marks, 
and  the  fixed  and  sunken  eyes,  all  speak  unmistakably  of  the  vio- 
lent and  painful  nature  of  the  disease.  The  animal  sometimea 
suffers  for  six  oi  seven  days,  when  it  falls,  completely  exha'isted 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM,  73 

by  continued  irritation  and  inanimation;  or  it  expires  in  tarible 
convulsions.  Tetanus,  indisputably,  is  a  nervous  affection.  An 
injury  to  a  small  fiber  of  some  nerve  exten'is  to  the  origin  of  the 
oerve,  when  the  brain  becomes  affected,  and  a  diseased  action  of 
the  body  ensues.  When  locked-jaw  results  fatally,  it  will  be  be- 
fore the  expiration  of  nine  days,  as  the  horse  dies,  without  a  remis- 
ftion  of  the  spasms,  from  sheer  exhaustion.  The  free  use  of  the 
\ancet  is  regarded  as  one  of  tlte  surest  means  of  curing  tetanic 
cases,  as  by  a  flow  of  blood  we  open  the  bowels  and  tranquilize 
the  system.  Venesection  is  the  most  powerful  sedative  for  mus- 
cular spasms.  The  nervous  influence  passes  off  with  the  blood ; 
therefore  the  flow  should  be  most  copious.  AYe  may  bleed  the 
horse  until  he  falls,  before  the  triumph  is  complete.  The  perma- 
nent strength  of  the  animal  is  not  hazarded  by  the  free  use  of  the 
lancet,  bat  we  simply  make  an  attack  upon  the  seat  of  the  disease. 
Physic,  also,  is  a  matter  of  much  importance.  Profuse  bleeding 
will  cause  the  muscles  of  the  jaws  to  relax,  when  the  dose  may  be 
introduced  into  the  mouth.  Clysters  assist  the  action  of  the  pur- 
gatives; therefore  aie  useful.  The  application  to  the  spine  of 
green  shcej)-skins,  warm  from  the  slaughtered  animal,  will  some- 
times diminish  the  sufferings  of  the  patient.  By  gently  rubbing 
the  spine  with  the  hand,  and  then  by  using  an  opiate  liniment,  a 
relief  may  be  afforded.  From  eight  to  ten  drachms  of  aloes  should 
be  administered  as  a  physic.  The  farina  of  eroton-nut  is  also  a 
powerful  purgative.  A  solution  of  Epsom  salts  constitutes  a  safe 
injection  as  a  clyster.  Opium,  when  given  in  doses,  varying  from 
one  half  to  two  drachms,  is  a  valuable  medicine  in  cases  of  lock- 
jaw. The  disease  is  a  violent  one,  and  to  check  it  prwnpt  meas- 
ures must  be  resorted  to." 

■  Contrast  this  with  the  following  case :  AVhilc  in  the  city  rf  St. 
Louis,  a  short  time  ago,  I  was  requested  to  visit  a  bay  gelding 
aged  eight  years,  the  property  of  Captain  Silva.  The  mei?5«.'ngef 
informed  me,  not  knowing  that  it  was  a  case  of  tetanus,  that  the 
horse  was  "  all  stiffened  up."  On  an  examination,  the  following 
symptoms  were  presented  :  The  muscles  in  the  region  of  the  neck 
and  back,  rigid  ;  the  eyes  had  a  sort  of  squinting  appearance  ;  the 
nose  protruded;  the  ears  were  erect  and  stationary;  the  n')strila 
were  expanded  to  their  utmost  capacity;  the  head,  neck,  and  trunk 
seemed  to  be  immovable,  so  that  it  waj  impossible  to  make  hira 
tiirn  in  any  direction,  or  describe  the  least  segment  of  a  circle 


74  DADD'S  VETERINARY  JIEDICINE  ANi)  SURGERY. 

The  alxlomen  appeared  "  tucked  up,"  as  the  saying  is.  This  aront 
from  the  rigid  state  of  muscles  of  the  abdomen.  The  hind  limbs 
presented  a  straddling  appearance,  and  the  fore  ones  wore  unnat- 
urally advanced  far  beyond  the  axis  of  the  shoulder-blade ;  the 
boAvels  were  con-stipated  ;  the  pulse  was  wiry,  and  the  respirations 
were  accelerated  and  laborious.  The  case  was  diagnosed  as  tetanus 
fronc  puncture  of  the  off  hind-foot.  It  appeared  that  the  animal 
had  picked  up  a  nail,  five  days  previous,  which  was  withdrawn  by 
A  blacksmith,  and  the  foot  was  dressed  in  the  usual  way.  The 
treatment  was  as  follows  : 

The  rigid  muscles  were  rubbed,  twice  daily,  with  a  portion  of 
the  following  antispasmodic  liniment: 

No.  8.  Cod-liver  oil 12  oz. 

Oil  of  cedar 4  oz. 

Sulphuric  ether 3  oz. 

The  application  of  the  liniment  was  continued  during  a  period  of 
ten  days,  in  which  time  four  drachms  of  Indian  hemp  were  daily 
placed  on  the  tongue.  The  jaws  now  relaxed,  so  that  the  patient 
could  eat  bran  mashes.  At  the  expiration  of  two  weeks  all  signa 
of  tetanus  had  disappeared. 

Vertigo  (Dtzzlxess  or  Giddiness). 

The  term  vertigo  signifies  giddiness  or  dizziness.  It  is  usually 
the  result  of  some  latent  disease  within  the  brain ;  and  when  that 
is  present,  any  exciting  cause,  which  we  shall  presently  refer  to, 
may  bring  on  a  fit  of  vertigo.  The  following  article,  by  surgeon 
Haycock,  will,  perhajjs,  prove  interesting  to  the  reader : 

"  By  vertigo  is  meant  a  chronic  disease  of  the  horse,  chiefly  in 
dicated  by  a  disturbance  of  the  sensitive  faculties,  occasioning 
derangement  in  the  ordinary  functions  of  life.  IMuch  that  is  incor- 
rect has  been  written  regarding  tlie  seat,  properly  so-called,  of  the 
evil.  At  present,  most  veterinary  surgeons  are  agreed  in  seeking 
the  proximate  cause,  not  as  formerly,  on  the  brain,  but  in  the  al>- 
dom  nal  organs,  and  on  considering  the  cerebral  affection  as  purely 
eeeondary," 

Vertigo  often  succeeds  acute  disease  of  the  brain. 

Causes. — Its  chief  exciting  causes  are  confinement  in  hot  and 
badly-aired  stables,  cold,  extreme  fatigue,  blows  and  injuries  on 
the  h^'ad,  indigestion,  unwholesome  or  too  much  food  in  pro]>ortioD 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM  75 

lo  tho  exercise  taken.  The  fear  of  punishment,  especially  of  tha 
wl  ip,  occasionally  gives  rise  to  it,  in  sensitive  and  irritabl-e  ani 
mals.  Some  horses  have  an  hereditary  predisposition  to  it,  an(^ 
mares  are  considered  more  subject  to  it  than  stallions.  Furth'^r 
it  is  scarcelv  ever  ohser^  ed  except  in  hot  weather ;  and  as  it  w 
generally  at  the  beginning  of  summer  that  it  commences  to  ajipear 
it  goes  awa)  always  in  autunui,  at  least  with  respect  to  its  ch.ief 
nymptoms. 

f)yn->pto'ms. — The  horse  having,  previous  to  the' attack,  been 
lively  and  active,  begins,  all  of  a  sudden,  to  appear  heavy  and  in- 
dolent. He  is  dejected,  and  prefers  to  keej)  himself  in  the  dark- 
est corner  of  the  stable.  Eyes,  dull;  look,  fixed  and  stupid ;  eye- 
lids, half  shut ;  inattention  to  every  thing,  forgetting  even  himself, 
and,  as  it  were,  asleep,  his  head  hanging  down,  or  resting  on  the 
•nanger.  His  gait  is  hea\y,  slow,  and  unsteady  ;  he  raises  his  feet 
very  high,  and  puts  the  entire  sole  to  the  ground,  raising  and  let- 
ting down  the  limbs  in  a  manner  purely  mechanical,  and,  as  it 
were,  unconsciously.  He  exhibits  much  awkwardness  in  turning, 
and  can  not  be  pulled  back  except  by  depressing  the  head  very 
much,  and  pushing  it  latterly.  He  also  leans  to  one  side  in  walking. 
To  maintain  his  equilibrium  the  better,  he  places  the  forc-lcgs 
beneath  the  belly,  and  moves  his  ears  backward  in  a  peculiar 
manner.  According  as  the  disease  progresses,  he  becomes  less 
and  less  sensible  to  external  impressions.  Mastication  is  per- 
formed slowly.  He  takes,  from  time  to  time,  a  mouthful  of  food, 
masticates  it,  swallows  a  portion  of  it,  but  keeps  the  remainder 
in  his  mouth.  He  prefers  taking  his  food  off  the  ground  rather 
than  in  any  other  way,  and  when  drinking,  he  plunges  his  head 
into  the  water,  even  above  his  nostrils.  During  and  after  sonip 
rather  violent  movements,  his  symptoms  become  much  aggra- 
vated, and  the  signs  of  complete  insensibility  become  more  an'i 
more  marked.  The  animal  runs  on  quite  blind  till  some  ol)staclc 
steps  him,  or  turns  round,  or  remains  tranquil,  with  his  ho:H 
depressed,  and  the  legs  crowded  beneath  the  body,  without  being 
Rble  to  change  this  unusual  attitude,  unless  assisted  to  do  so. 
There  is  never  any  fever.  The  pulse  is  often  from  ten  to  twelve 
pulsations  slower  than  in  the  normal  state. 

In  the  same  way,  also,  the  resi>iration  is  constantly  slow, 
deep,  and  frequently  of  a  sighing  character.  In  almost  all  cases, 
the  tongue  is  foul,  and  the  mouth  dry  mid  clammy.     With  res|>erf 


T6  EADD'S   V^ETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

to  treatment,  the  remedies  whicli  have  succeeded  best  with  me  are^ 
camomile  (some  doses),  then  sulphur  and  nux  vomica.  In  a  par- 
ticular case,  where,  independently  of  the  sj^raptoms  peculiar  to 
vertigo,  the  conjunctiva,  tongue,  and  mouth  were  more  yellow, 
the  horse  frequently  flexed  his  fore-legs,  seldom  ay  down,  the 
fi«ces  were  hard,  and  he  passed  but  little  urine. 

The  reader  will  perceive  that  many  of  the  symptoms  above 
alluded  to  are  present  in  other  diseases  of  the  brain  •  therefore, 
some  difficulty  may  be  encountered  in  diagnosing  the  :iise.  It  ia 
best  for  us,  however,  to  diagnose  the  case  on  the  symptoms  of 
dizziness  or  giddiness ;  then  a  mistake  is  not  likely  to  occur.  Yet, 
after  all,  a  mistake  in  the  true  nature  of  the  malady  will  not 
prove  disastrous,  provided  the  patient  be  treated  on  the  general 
principles  laid  down  in  this  work,  by  means  of  sanative  medicines 
and  little  good  common  sense. 

Treatment. — For  example,  should  a  horse  have  an  attack  of 
vertigo  on  the  road,  the  driver  must  immediately  stop  and  loosen 
the  throat-latch  and  check-rein.  Then  let  the  animal  stand  in 
quietude  for  a  few  minutes,  during  which  time  he  may  possibly 
recover,  and  soon  be  able  to  resume  the  journey.  If  not,  he  must 
be  taken  out  of  the  harness,  and  carefully  led  to  the  nearest  sta- 
ble, or  where  he  shall  be  free  from  annoyances  of  every  kind. 
After  the  excitement  is  over,  the  animal  may  be  led  home,  and 
put  into  a  roomy  stall,  where  he  must  be  dieted  according  to  his 
condition.  If  fat  and  plethoric,  bran  mashes  are  indicated,  into 
which  should  be  stirred  a  drachm  or  two  of  hyposulphite  of  soda. 
Should  the  patient  be  poor  in  flesh,  a  few  good  oats  are  indicated, 
to  which  add  a  small  quantity  of  powdered  ginger  and  balmony. 
The  surface  of  the  body  being  cold,  it  must  be  warmed,  after  the 
usual  fashion,  by  means  of  clothing.  But  should  the  surface  of 
the  body  feel  hot,  more  particularly  in  the  region  of  the  head, 
then  tonics,  stimulants,  and  food  are  to  be  withheld.  A  bucket 
of  cold  water  is  then  to  be  placed  before  him,  into  which  about 
four  drachms  of  nitrate  of  potass  may  be  stirred. 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain  (Blind,  Sleepy  or  Mad 
Staggers). 

The  contents  of  the  cranium  are  called,  collectively,  the  ence- 
phalon  :  hence  the-  term  encephalitis,  which  signifies  inflammation 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  77 

of  any,  or  all  portions  of  the  contents  of  the  cranial  cavity. 
Various  terms  are  applied  to  disease  of  this  character,  such  aa 
"  sleepy  staggers,"  "  coma,"  "  phrenitis,"  cerebritis,"  and  "  cere- 
bral meningitis,"  the  latter  being  formerly  recognized  as  blind  or 
sleepy  staggers.  These  several  terms  merely  apply  to  the  various 
etages  of  the  acute  disease  as  it  gradually  invades  the  membranes 
coveiing  the  brain,  or  the  substance  of  the  brain  itself.  If  some- 
times appears  to  invade  at  once  the  whole  of  the  p.irts  within 
the  skull,  or,  beginning  in  one  part,  it  extends  rapidl^-  to  all  the 
rest,  so  that  the  term  encephalitis  seems  to  be  more  applicable 
tliau  those  just  enumerated.  It  is  a  matter  of  impossibility  foi 
us  to  tell  precisely  what  are  the  pathological  conditions  of  the  parts 
a'lected.  Nor  are  the  symptoms  always  the  same.  They  may 
range  from  a  state  of  phrcnzy  to  one  of  coma.  Still,  in  our  treat- 
ment, we  shall  not  be  led  astray  ;  for,  being  an  acute  afiecticn,  (or 
affections,  as  some  persons  may  term  it,)  we  have  to  treat  it  on  tLe 
same  general  principles  which  obtain  in  many  or  all  diseases  ct* 
an  acute  character,  viz. :  by  means  of  sedatives,  laxatives,  cold 
water,  spare  diet,  and  rest. 

Should  the  patient  die  during  the  acute  stage  of  disease  of  th* 
brain,  an  autopsy  will  reveal  great  vascularity  and  softening  of 
the  cerebral  mass,  and  thickening  of  its  membranes ;  but  should 
the  disease  run  on  unchecked  to  a  fatal  termination,  pus  ano 
fluid  may  be  found  within  the  lateral  ventricles  of  the  brain. 
This  enables  us  to  explain  the  difference  between  the  symj)toras 
which  prevail  in  the  early  and  latter  stages  of  the  malady ;  for, 
at  the  commencement  of  the  acute  stage,  the  loss  of  equilibrium 
in  the  circulation  sends  the  red  arterial  blood,  in  undue  quanti- 
ties, tc  the  ])rain — the  part,  perhaps,  most  predisposed  to  diseased 
action,  or,  it  may  be,  at  the  time  actually  in  a  pathological  con- 
dition ;  hence  the  loss  of  equilibrium  in  the  circulation — which, 
in  consequence  of  accelerated  respiration,  becomes  highly  charged 
with  oxygen,  acts  as  a  potent  stimulus,  not  only  to  the  nervous 
syst^em,  but  to  the  muscular  system  also,  producing  those  active 
and  phrenitic  symptoms  which  have  led  us  to  infer  that  the  patient 
is  going  or  is  actually  mad ;  hence  the  name  which  some  per- 
sons have  applied,  "  mad  staggers."  This  activity  can  not  last 
long ;  for  it  is  potent  to  exhaust  the  vital  forces.  Organs  and 
parts  of  the  body  become  overworked ;  then  comes  organic 
•^hanges — softening  of  the  brain,  effusion,  formation  of  pus.  whia. 


78  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

«si)dfl  in  coma,  which  is  the  latter  stage  just  referred  tc,  dtvuid  o* 
any  mad  or  phrenitic  symptoms,  but  marked  by  lethargy,  or  i 
prolonged  comatose  condition,  from  which  no  stimulus  will 
arouse  the  patient.  He  is  not  only  the  subject  of  altered  struc- 
ture within  and  around  the  brain,  but  the  latter  is  compressed  by 
the  serum,  or  pus,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  thus  sensibility  is 
more  or  less  destroyed.  The  degree  of  coma,  however,  will  be 
lirectly  proportioned  to  the  degree  of  pressure.  Now,  tne  reader 
will  perceive  that  the  proposition  of  treatment,  just  referred  to, 
for  the  acute  stage  will  not  apply  to  the  comatose  condition  ;  fti 
here  we  have  to  stimulate  and  give  tone  to  the  system,  so  as  to 
sustain  the  failing  vital  powers. 

In  regard  to  this  subject,  Professor  Copeman  observes:  "In 
inflammation  of  the  brain,  phrenitis,  mad  staggers,  I  have  told 
you  that  it  may  be  said  to  be  impossible  to  distinguish,  wn'th  any 
thing  like  certainty,  in  individual  cases,  acute  inflammation  of 
the  substance  of  the  brain  from  those  affecting  the  membranes 
or  ventricles.  The  reason  will  be  obvious  when  we  reflect  thai 
the  phenomena,  in  every  instance,  are,  in  fact,  attributable  1^' 
pressure  on  the  entire  contents  of  the  skull,  encephalon,  viz  : 
cerebrum,  cerebellum,  medulla,  oblongata,  and  membranes;  and 
if  this  be  rapid  and  general,  it  can  matter  little  Mdiethcr  it  orig- 
inates from  the  membranes  or  the  brain.  Acute  inflammation 
does,  however,  sometimes  appear  to  invade  at  once  the  whole  of 
the  parts  that  are  lodged  within  the  skull;  or,  beginning  in  one 
part,  it  extends  rapidly  to  all  the  rest.  The  symptoms  which 
usually  mark  an  attack  of  cerebrifis  arc  the  following:  The  horj^e 
becomes  sleepy,  heavy,  or  more  or  less  comatose,  accompanied  by 
general  fever.  After  a  time  a  convulsive  attack  supervenes.  He 
becomes  morose,  and  shows  delirium ;  perhaps  rears  both  fore- 
legs into  the  manger,  from  which  position  he  may  reel  around 
and  fall,  kicking  and  tearing  ever)'  thing  about  him.  During 
the  fit  his  respiration  is  much  excited,  and  he  sweats  profusely 
If  he  gets  upon  his  legs,  he  makes  sudden  and  violent  efforts, 
dashing  against  rack,  manger,  or  stall,  totally  disregarding  any 
thing  that  may  be  said  or  done  to  him.  Thus  he  is  continually 
struggling,  panting,  and  perspiring,  perhaps  foaming  at  tho 
mouth,  leading  the  ordinary  observer  to  believe  he  is  not  only 
delirious  but  actually  'mad.'  But  all  these  symptoms  'ary  much 
in  different  cases.     Coma  occurs  freauentlv,  but  oftn    nlr  tera- 


DISEASES  OF  THE   BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  79 

porarily.  Great  prostration  and  muscular  debility  are  generally 
observed. 

The  seat  of  '  sleepy  staggers/  or  cerebral  meningitis,  is  the  so- 
called  subarachnoid  cavity,  in  which  is  a  quantity  of  loose  areola 
tissue,  richly  furnished  with  blood-vessels.  It  generally  results 
t!iat  the  exudation  poured  into  this  cavity  is  quickly  accompanied 
Of  ibllowed  by  pus.  Hence,  we  find  that  what  is  generally  called 
a  recent  layer  of  coagulable  lymph,  covering  the  convolutions  in 
Dieningitis,  is,  in  point  of  fact,  a  layer  of  pus,  generally  present- 
ing a  molecular  character.  As  to  the  diagnosis,  notwithstanding 
the  efforts  which  have  been  made  to  distinguish  meningitis  of  the 
convolutions  from  that  of  the  base,  or  either  of  these  from  a  sim- 
ple effusion  into  the  ventricles,  I  have  in  vain  sought  for  any 
precise  symptoms,  which  could  be  relied  on,  as  indicative  of  the 
situation  of  the  disease.  Drowsiness  and  coma,  causing  slow  and 
subsequently  rapid  pulse,  succeeded  by  restlessness.  The  horse 
is  excited  ;  he  flings  himself  about,  frequently  jerking  his  head  up 
and  down,  sometimes  rearing,  perhaps,  into  the  manger;  ^en^iou 
of  the  limbs,  thrusting  the  head  into  the  rack.  The  faculties  of 
the  organs  of  sense  are  lost,  for  the  horse  neither  hears  nor  sees. 
The  state  of  excitement  may  terminate,  more  or  less  quickly,  in 
ronvulsions  and  death,  or  the  patient  may  relapse  into  a  state  of 
coma,  and  ultimately  result  in  partial  or  complete  recovery. 

The  gradual  mode  of  invasion,  and  the  succession  of  the  symp- 
toms to  one  another,  are  also  characteristic,  and  differ  markedly 
in  degree  from  those  which  attend  sudden  attacks  of  apoplexy 
caused  by  hemorrhage.  They  are  both  the  result  of  general 
pressure  on  the  brain,  and  hence  the  reason  why  mere  effusion  can 
not  be  distinguished  from  hemorrhage." 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  the  preceding  forms  of  acute  dis- 
liasc  of  the  brain  was  formerly,  and  is  at  present,  to  some  extent, 
conducted  on  the  absurd  antiphlogistic  plan,  by  blood-letting, 
purging,  and  blistering,  which  practice  kills  more  than  it  ever 
cures.  The  plan  now  adopted  by  the  author  is  to  give  dra^Jira 
doses  of  gelseminum  every  four  hours,  until  relief  is  apparent. 
The  cranial  region  is  kept  constantly  bathed  with  cold  water;  the 
rectum  is  kept  free  from  excrement  by  means  of  inject'ons  of  soap- 
8udj';  the  bowels  are  kept  in  working  order,  by  mixing  Glaubei 
salts  with  thin  bran  mashes.  Half  a  pound  of  salts,  dissolved  in 
4  out  four  quarts  of  mash,  will  gonorally  prove  laxative.     Should 


BC  DADD'S  VETERINAKY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERF 

it  fail  to  have  this  cflTeet,  aftei  a  lapse  of  about  six  hours,  tho  dosi 
may  be  repeated.  Tliis  ])lan  of  treatment  is  more  rational,  and 
has  proved  more  successful,  than  that  just  alluded  to. 

Should  the  disease  progress  so  iliat  the  animal  manifests  symp- 
toms of  coma,  or  lethargy,  then  chlorate  of  potass  is  the  best 
agent.  It  should  be  g'ven  in  half-ounce  doses,  every  four  or  sii 
hours,  in  the  form  of  drench,  or  it  may  be  dissolved  in  the  watei 
which  the  animal  is  allowed  to  drink.  A  few  doses  cf  the  fol- 
lowing preparation  must  also  be  given: 

No.  9.   Fluid  extract  of  srolden  seal )        -,    . 

T71   •  1       .      »     /•  •      •  f  each  4  oz. 

t  luid  extract  or  jumper j 

Mix. 

Dose,  two  ounces  every  morning. 

Keep  the  rectum  empty  by  injections,  and,  if  the  case  be  curable, 
such  treatment  as  this,  followed  up  by  careful  nursing,  will  ac- 
complish the  object.  Cope.man,  who  is  authority  in  this  disease, 
fully  indorses  this  treatment,  and  says: 

"  Hitherto  the  treatment  of  meningitis  (sleej)y  staggers),  whethei 
real  or  supposed,  has  been  antiphlogistic,  but  it  is  impossible  to  say 
that  any  benefit  has  ever  been  effected  by  the  j)ractice.  The  early 
stages  of  the  disease  are  probably  generally  overlooked.  So  long 
as  the  horse  retains  his  appetite  and  his  ronsciousness,  no  suspicion 
of  disease  arises.  It  is  only  when  exudation  or  effusion  has  been 
poured  out  in  such  quantity  as  to  cause  drowsiness  and  stupor  tiiat 
our  suspicions  are  awakened,  and  thus  it  is  very  difficult  to  under- 
stand how  blood-letting  or  purging  could  facilitate  its  absorption. 
Besides,  we  have  seen  that  the  tendency  of  such  effusion  is  to  pass 
into  the  circulation.  Hence,  the  treatment  which  favors  the  re- 
absorption  of  the  exudation,  as  I  have  previously  explained,  must 
be  most  effectual.  For  this  pur])ose  time  is  required,  and  the  vital 
gtrength,  instead  of  being  lowered,  should  be  supported.  In  short, 
the  duty  of  the  practitioner  is  to  stij)port  the  economy  as  much  as 
possible,  to  give  nutrients  with  moderate  stimulants,  to  unload  the 
bowels,  from  time  to  time,  artificially,  by  injections,  etc.,  and  in  thia 
way  to  gain  time,  which  will  enable  the  effused  matters  to  pass 
through  their  natural  transformations^  to  be  absorbed  and  ulti- 
mately excreted.  It  has  appeared  to  nie  that  the  collection  of 
serous  fluil,  whether  in  the  ventricles  or  over  the  surface  ot  the 
brain,  either  with  or  without  exudation,  is  consecutive  m  obstruo- 


1  tSEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  8J 

don  of  the  vessels,  and  is,  therefore,  more  allied  to  the  dro]  eiea 
than  to  inflammations.  It  is  the  collection  of  serum  which  doca 
the  mischief — presses  on  the  brain,  and  causes  the  coma  and  stu- 
por. If  so,  the  occurrence  of  those  symptoms  should  be  regarded 
as  secondary,  instead  of  as  primary,  and  as  analogous  to  ascites, 
dropsy,  or  anasarca,  following  disease  of  the  kidneys.  These 
pathological  considerations  are,  it  appears  to  me,  wholly  0})p(>sed 
to  the  idea  of  blood-letting  and  antiphlogistics  being  benefirial 
after  effusion  has  occurred." 


Equixe  Chorea,  or  Stringhalt. 

Chorea,  or  stringhalt,  consists  of  an  irregular  and  involuntary 
gpasmodic  action  of  some  of  the  muscles  of  the  hind  extremities. 
Equine  chorea  differs  somewhat  from  human  chorea.  In  the  lat- 
ter case,  it  usually  begins  with  slight  twitches  in  the  muscles  of 
the  face,  or  in  the  upper  extremities,  and  various  parts  of  the  body 
twitch  and  contort  in  such  a  singular  and  unnatural  manner, 
that  some  persons  have  denominated  the  disease  "  insanity  of  the 
muscles." 

In  the  case  of  horses,  no  such  "  insanity  of  muscles  "  has  been 
observed.  It  is  mainly  confined  to  the  posterior  limbs.  Mr. 
Feron,  a  distinguished  V.  S.,  contends  that  stringhalt  bears 
some  affinity  to  what  is  known  in  human  medicine  as  chorea,  or 
"  St.  Vitus'  dance."  He  does  not,  however,  wish  to  convey  the 
idea  that  they  are  essentially  the  same  disease,  only  they  are  both 
of  a  convulsive  or  spasmodic  character,  wherein  the  mind,  will, 
or  instinct  has  lost  more  or  less  cf  its  control  over  the  vohmtarj 
muscles  of  the  hind  extremities,  and  the  peculiar  feat  is  thus  ac- 
complished. AMien  the  animal  has  lifted  his  hind  leg  from  the 
ground,  which  is  always  done  with  a  convulsive  twitch,  tlie  fet- 
lock nearly  approaches  the  belly,  and,  by  some  other  remarkable 
irregularities  in  its  action,  before  the  foot  can  be  replaced  on  the 
ground,  displays  such  unnatural  movements  as  to  convince  us  tha; 
volition  is  impaired.  Hence,  we  may  infer  that,  in  a  maiority  of 
cases,  stringhalt  is  the  result  of  some  abnormal  condition  of  the 
nervous  system.  What  occasions  that  condition  is  a  matter  of 
fact  and  argument,  which  remains  as  an  open  question  for  some 
future  pathologist  to  decide.  So  far  as  the  author's  experience 
goes,  he  is  satisfied  from  actual  dissection  of  tlie  jjarts,  that  some 


82  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AN1>  SURGERY. 

Btringhall  horses  are  the  subjects  of  ulcerative  disease  of  the  hock- 
joint,  and  they  finally  become  sprained. 

In  such  cases,  it  is  possible  that  stringhalt  may  be  the  result  of 
bock  disease,  which  irritates  the  nerves  in  the  vicinity  of  the  part, 
and  thus  affects  that  portion  of  the  nervous  system  which  controls 
the  muscles  concerned.  Andral  tells  us  that  "chorea,  like  epi- 
lepsy, may  be  excited  by  irritation."  Hence,  in  the  commencement 
of  sp'ivin,  or  so  soon  as  osseous  incrustations  are  thrown  out,  the^ 
may,  during  the  active  motion  of  the  joint,  produce  local  irritation, 
of  nervous  filaments,  in  the  vicinity,  which  irritation  may  be  com- 
municated to  larger  and  more  important  nerves,  and  thus  induiie 
stringhalt. 

We  all  know  that  local  irritation  produced  by  the  prick  of  a 
nail,  or  sometimes  docking  and  pricking,  is  often  productive  of 
locked-jaw,  simply  because  some  nervous  or  tendinous  structure 
is  injured;  and  so  the  local  irritation  in  the  region  of  the  hock 
may  be  productive  of  the  malady  now  under  consideration.  The 
author  has  paid  considerable  attention  to  this  subject,  and  is  con- 
vinced that  almost  all  horses  of  the  nervous  or  excitable  tempera- 
ment, the  subjects  of  inter-articular  spavin,  manifest  more  or  lesa 
catching-up  of  the  limb  (stringhalt)  at  some  period  during  the 
progress  of  spavin,  and  that  when  the  bones  of  the  hock  are 
anchylosed  (united),  and  the  motion  and  irritation  of  the  parts 
have  ceased,  the  stringhalt  becomes  modified.  The  reader,  how- 
ever, must  not  receive  this  opinion  as  absolute;  for  at  times,  in 
consequence  of  some  peculiar  idiosyncrasy,  the  stringhalt  gradu- 
ally grows  worse.  Among  some  members  of  the  human  famil  y, 
of  the  peculiar  temperament  to  receive  the  impression,  almost  aL;y 
thing  which  makes  a  forcible  impression  upon  the  nervous  system 
may  act  as  an  exciting  cause  of  chorea.  The  subject  is  a  very 
important  one,  and  most  veterinary  writers  of  the  English  school 
-lave  rather  mystified  the  subject,  and  at  last  have  come  lo  the 
conclusion  that  the  disease  is  incurable.  This  was  formerly  the 
author's  opinion,  but  a  change  has  taken  place  in  his  sentiments, 
and  he  is  unwilling  to  deprive  the  afflicted  animal  of  the  benefits 
of  progressive  science.  More  light  on  the  subject  may  enable  na 
to  effect  many  cases  of  cure ;  at  least  it  will  enable  us  better  to 
understand  the  pathology  of  the  case,  which  is  an  important 
step  in  the  right  direction.  In  view,  therefore,  of  furnishing  the 
reader  with  some  useful  information,  whether  he  be  a  veterinary 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN   AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  85 

jractit  loner  or  not,  we  shall  borrow  from  analogy,  in  the  iiiirD- 
daction  of  the  following  article  from  "  "Watson's  Practice  "  : 

"  In  certain  of  ^I.  Magcndie's  experiments   on  aiimals,  thi 
following  curious  facts  were  ascertained:  When  a  vertical  section 
of  tlie  cerebellum  of  a  rabbit  was  made,  leaving  one-fourth  of  the 
whole  adhering  to  the  crest  of  the  right  side  of  the  cranium,  and 
three-fourths  to  that  of  the  left,  the  animal  rolled  over  and  ever 
incessantly,  turning  itself  toward  the  injured  side.     The  same  j)he- 
(vomenon  occurred  upon  the  division  of  the  crus  cerebelli.     The 
animal  lived  for  eight  days,  and  continued,  during  the  whole  of 
that  time,  to  revolve  upon  its  long  axis,  unless  stopped  by  coming 
in  contact  with  some  obstacle.     Plow  like  is  this  to  the  symp- 
toms exhibited  at  one  period  in  the  girl  whose  case  is  related  by 
Dr.  Watts.     Nor  is  Dr.  Watts's  case  a  singular  one.     M.  Serrea 
has  described  another  much  resembling  it.     A  shoemaker,  sixty- 
eight  vears  old,  of  intemperate  habits,  after  one  of  his  debauches, 
exhibited  a   kind  of  drunkenness  which   surprised    his  friends. 
Instead  of  seeing  objects  turning  around  him,  as  a  drunken  person 
is  apt  to  do,  he  thought  he  was  himself  turning,  and  soon  began 
to  revolve,  and  this  lasted  till  he  died  ;  and  when  his  head  was 
examined,  extensive  mischief  was  found  in  one  of  the  pedicles  of 
his   cerebellum.     Again:    M.  Magendie   noticed    that  when  the 
upper  jnirt  of  the  cerebrum  is  gently  removed  in  birds  and  mam- 
malia,   they  i>ecome   blind;  but   no  affection  of  the   locomotive 
powers  is  produced.     Xo  further  result  is  occasioned  by  the  removal 
of  a  portion  of  the  gray  matter  of  the  corpora  striata ;  but  when 
the  striated  part  is  cut  away,  the  animal  immediately  darts  forward 
with  rapidity,  and  i^ontinues  to  advance  as  if  imjielled  by  some 
irresistible  force,  until  stopped  by  an  obstacle;  and,  even  then,  it 
retains  the  attitude  of  one  advancing.     The  experiment  was  tried, 
with  the  same  results  upon  various  sj)ecies  of  animals — dogs,  cats, 
hedgehogs,  rabbits.  Guinea-pigs,   and  squirrels.     It    seems  that 
there  are  horses   that  can   not  back,  although  they  make  good 
progress  enough  in  a  straightforward  direction.     Now,  Magendie 
eays  that  he  has  opened  the  heads  of  such  horses,  and  has  always 
found  in  the  lateral  ventricles  of  their  brains  a  collection  of  water, 
which  must  have  compressed  and  even  disorganized  the  corpora 
striata.     It  has  been  further  ascertained,  by  the  same  experimenter, 
and  by  others,  that  certain  injuries  of  the  cerebelhim  cause  ani- 
maiij  to  move  backwird  contrarilv  to  their  will.     If  the  tail  of 


M  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

the  dUimal  so  mutilated  be  pinched,  he  still  persists  in  his  retro 
grade  course.  Injuries  of  the  medulla  oblongata  had  the  same 
effect.  Pigeons,  into  which  he  forced  a  pin  through  that  l>art 
constantly  receded  for  more  than  a  mouth,  and  even  flew  Ijack- 
ward.  A  section  of  the  medulla  oblongata,  where  it  approaches 
the  anterior  ])yramid,  gives  rise  to  a  movement  in  a  -^ircle  like 
thii  of  a  horse  in  a  mill,  the  animal,  in  its  walk  .r  its  flighty 
bearing  round  continually  to  the  injured  side.  Surely  we  havf , 
in  these  facts,  supplied  by  experiments  on  living  animals,  and  Lj 
observation  of  the  phenomena  of  disease  in  the  living  numan 
body,  some  of  the  materials  for  a  more  exact  knowledge,  both  of 
the  physiology  and  of  the  pathology  of  the  nervous  system,  than 
we  have  reached.  M.  jNIagendie  supposes  that  different  portions 
of  the  cncephalon  are  endowed  with  energies  which  tend  to  cause 
motion  in  various  directions ;  that  in  the  healthy  state  these  bal- 
ance each  other,  and  that  a  prejionderating  impulse  can  be  given 
to  any  one  of  these  forces  by  tVe  will ;  but  that  when  the  equilib- 
rium is  destroyed  by  disease,  tne  will  is  not  sufficient  to  counter- 
act the  tendencies  which  are  then  brought  into  play.  Mr  Mayo 
offers  a  different  explanation  of  the  phenomena.  He  supposes 
that  the  injuries  inflicted  on  the  nervous  matter  produce  a  sensa- 
tion analogous  to  vertigo,  and  that  the  animal  conceives  itself 
either  to  be  hurried  forward,  and  makes  an  eXvCrtion  to  repel  im- 
aginary force,  or  to  be  moving  backward,  or  turning  round  in 
one  direction,  and  endeavors  to  correct  this  by  moving  the  corre- 
sponding muscles." 

Treatment. — In  stringhalt,  it  is  nearly  always  safe  for  us  to 
conclude  that  it  nuist  be  treated  on  the  same  general  principles 
which  obtain  in  the  management  of  other  nervous  disorders  of  a 
chronic  character,  viz.:  in  the  use  of  tonics  and  anti-suasmodics 
Take,  for  example: 

No.  10.  Fluid  extract  of  valerian ")  . 

Fluid  extract  of  poplar  bark )    ^        P 

Dose,  one  ounce,  morning  and  evening;  to  be  placed  on  the 
tougue.  The  spine  and  affected  limb  or  limbs  should  be  rubbed 
every  night,  for  a  couple  of  weeks,  with  a  portion  of  the  following 

No.  11.  Fluid  extract  of  poppies , .   fi  o«. 

Proof  spirit 1    :  int. 

Mix. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN   AND  NERVOUS  S\STEM.  86 

Should  tlio  animal  prove  to  be  spavined,  the  following  linimeisi 
u  recommcudc'd  : 


Cod-liver  oil )  , 

Kerosene  oil P^^al  parta. 


No    12.  CVi-liver  oil 
Ker 
Mix 


A  sruail  (jtriiitity  of  tliis  liniment  should  be  rubbed  nu  the  so»t 
of  sjwvin,  inside  of  the  hock,  onee  or  twice  daily,  until  countt  r- 
Irritation  is  accomplished,  which  shall  be  known  in  cotiscfjiicnc* 
of  the  hair  falling  off;  then  discontinue  the  iirnment,  and  lubricaW 
the  affected  parts  with  olive  oil,  and  wait  patiently,  so  as  to  see 
what  Nature  will  do  for  the  case.  **  Patient  waiters  are  no  I'^se.Ts." 
The  po])ular,  or  rather  the  ancient,  method  of  treatment  does  mor* 
harm  than  good. 


SECTION   IV 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    PASSAGES    AH*, 

ORGANS. 

Impohtaxce  of  Ventilating  Stables — Brief  Exposition  and  Description  oj 
THE  Function  of  the  Lungs — Spasm  of  this  Muscles  of  the  Glottis  and  Efi- 
OLOTTI9— Laryngitis,  (Suppurative  and  Inflammatory) — Croup — Chronic 
Cough — Roaring — Polypus — Bronchocele — Influenza,  or  Epizootic  Ca- 
tarrh— Pneumonia,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs,  including  TrPHon) 
Affections,  Pleurwy,  and  Dropsy  of  the  Chest. 

Importance  of  Ventilating  Stables,  in  view  op 
preventing  disease  of  the  lungs. 

IT  was  the  intention  of  the  Creator  that  all  animals,  so  long  aa 
they  were  permitted  to  exercise  th«ir  natural  instincts,  and 
thus  comply  with  the  requirements  of  physiology — the  science  of 
life_should  enjoy  health  and  long  life.  Hence  a  great  amount 
of  disease  and  death  results  from  the  evils  of  domestication. 

One  of  the  conditions  which  physiology  imposes,  in  order  that 
J  horse  shall  enjoy  health,  is,  that  the  atmosphere,  at  all  times, 
\  nd  under  all  circumstances,  shall  be  uncontaminated,  so  that  the 
blood  shall  be  decarbonized  and  purified  of  the  defiling  elementa 
acquired  in  the  course  cf  circulation. 

Let  the  reader  understand  that  the  lungs  are  something  like  a 
sponge,  elastic,  composed  of  a  myriad  of  cells.  In  the  former, 
however,  these  cells  have  a  vast  internal  surface,  communicating 
with  each  other  up  to  their  common  origin,  the  bronchial  tubes 
ana  windpipe.  On  their  internal  surface  we  find  a  delicate  yet 
highly  important  membrane  permeable  to  atmosphere.  In  extent, 
it  is  supposed  to  occupy  a  square  surface  equal  to  that  of  the  ex- 
ternal body.  In  contact  with  this  membrane  cornea  the  atmos- 
phere. If  pure — zephyr-like — it  fans  into  healthful  blaze  the 
flame  of  life,  upheaving  from  the  living  Vesuvius  arid  lava,  in 
(86) 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.  87 

the  form  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  almost  as  destructive  to  animaiity 
as  that  issuing  from  its  great  prototype  proves  to  vegetation. 

The  stable  atmosphere  being  pure,  and  the  lungs  in  working 
order,  the  blood  is  well  arterial i zed,  capable  of  supplying  the 
waste  of  the  animal  machine  and  renovating  its  tissues.  On  the 
other  hand,  should  the  atmosphere  be  impure,  it  foils  to  vitalize 
Uie  blood.  The  latter  is  unfit  for  the  purpose  of  nutrition,  and 
fliaj  be  considered  a  non-supporter  of  vitality.  Ilcnce  the  need 
of  pure  air,  the  breath  of  life. 

But  are  horses  always  furnished  with  pure  air  ?  Let  the  own- 
ers of  unveutilated,  crowded,  filthy,  down-cellar  and  low-roofed 
Btables  answer.  Let  those  who  have  stables  in  the  region  of 
swamp,  sewer,  and  stagnant  pools  of  water  answer.  In  such  lo- 
cations disease  and  death  run  riot,  and  the  noble  companion  of 
man,  instead  of  being  within  the  ramparts  of  the  science  of  life, 
is  on  the  margin  of  death's  domain.  He  may  exist  for  severa. 
days  without  food  and  water,  yet  the  consequent  result  is  nothing 
"when  compared  to  that  occasioned  by  breathing  an  atmospliere 
highly  charged  with  emanations  arising  from  his  own  body  ex- 
crements and  decomposing  bedding. 

A  horse  is  said  to  consume  in  the  lungs,  in  the  course  of  twen- 
Fjout  hours,  ninety-seven  ounces  of  carbon,  furnished  by  venous 
l)lood.  In  order  to  perform  this  feat,  he  requires  190  cubic  feet 
of  oxygen.  Now,  suppose  there  are  ten  horses  occupying  the  sta- 
ble. 'They  require,  in  the  same  time,  1,900  cubic  feet  of  oxygen, 
and  consume  970  ounces  of  carbon.  They  are  supposed,  also,  to 
give  out  from  the  lungs  a  volume  of  carbonic  acid  gas  equal  to 
that  of  the  oxygen  inspired ;  and  supposing  the  atmosphere  to 
be  saturated  with  only  five  per  centum  of  the  former,  it  is  a  non- 
supporter  of  life.  Hence,  a  horse  shut  up  in  an  unveutilated 
stable  must,  sooner  or  later,  become  the  subject  of  disease.  The 
evil  may  be  postponed,  but  the  day  of  reckoning  is  sure  and  :er 
tain. 

Diseases,  such  as  horse-ail,  influenza,  catarrh,  strangles,  and 
glanders,  often  originate  and  prevail  to  an  alarming  extent  in 
the  unveutilated  stable  and  pest  spot ;  while  in  other  locations, 
fiivorable  to  the  free  and  full  play  of  vital  operations,  the  favored 
ones  seem  to  enjoy  a  remarkable  immunity  from  the  prevailing 
disease,  or  epizootic. 

Stablemen  and  husbandmen  are  often  led  to  remark,  that  whec 


88  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SJRGERY. 

they  keep  but  few  animals,  disease  and  death,  except  In  cases  of 
accident  or  oM  age,  are  quite  rare,  but  so  soon  as  t'-.ey  crowded 
tlie  same,  sickness  and  death  were  the  consequ-r.op^.  In  view  of 
supporting  this  theory,  we  may  be  permitted  ic  remark  that  ship 
and  jail  fevers  may  be  manufactured  ad  WjUv^p,  at  any  time  when 
a  large  number  of  persons  are  congrep:aVl  together  in  a  given 
space,  no  provision  having  been  mad^  nr  the  admission  of  j)ure 
air.  The  unfortunate  prisoners  in  ^Pd  Black  Hole  of  Ca'c-jtta 
are  an  example,  and  the  mortalitv  -jceurring  on  board  oj'.  ':mi- 
grant  ships  furnishes  another  illu^/ ration. 

A  numbci  of  horses  were  once  d/tpped  from  Engip.nd  V  Spain, 
and  on  the  passage,  a  violent  gale  arising,  it  becamp  recessary  tc 
batten  down  the  hatchway.  The  consequence  was  that  most  of 
them  ultimately  died  of  either  glanders  or  fa-cy.  We  content', 
therefore,  that  the  active  or  morbid  germ  of  disease  enters  the 
living  citadel  through  the  pulmonary  tissue  lu  an  insidious  mar-- 
ner,  and,  therefore,  much  oftener  than  the  generality  of  men 
would  be  likely  to  realize.  Therefore,  it  is  a  matter  of  vital  im- 
portance that  attention  be  paid  to  the  ventilation  of  our  stable.'?. 
If  proper  sanitary  regulations  were  established,  and  fully  carried 
out  in  all  our  stables,  glanders  and  other  infectious  diseases  woul  1 
be  exceedingly  rare.  They  are  so  among  horses  free  from  the 
control  of  man,  whose  stalls  are  broad  as  from  ocean  to  oceai , 
their  height  ranging  from  earth  to  regions  above,  the  space  pei  - 
vaded  by  a  pure  atmosphere  concocted  by  the  Great  Chemist,  ])ui  e 
as  the  pearly  drops  and  refreshing  as  the  morning  zephyr.  1 1 
such  locations  death  has  no  terrors  nor  disease  any  victims. 

Brief  Expositiox  of  the  Function  of  the  Lungs. 

The  principal  function  of  the  lungs  is  to  arterial ize  or  decar 
bonize  the  blood;  that  is,  purify  it.  This  arterialization  of  the 
blood,  which.goes  the  rounds  of  the  circulation,  is  more  essential 
to  life  than  either  food  or  water  ;  for  men  and  animals  can  exist 
for  several  days,  perhaps  for  two  weeks,  without  f  )<)d,  yet  the 
game  can  not  live  over  a  few  seconds  unless  supplied  with  a  suffi- 
ciencv  of  at.mosnlipric  air.  Hence,  in  a  popular  sense,  pure  air  is 
the  "  creatli  of  life." 

The  functional  acts  of  respiration  are  necessaril)'  divided  ititx* 
two  parts  ■  and  in  ca+tle  the  number  of  respirations  are  about 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS. 


S9 


twelve  per  minute,  varying,  however,  according  to  the  tempera- 
ment of  the  animal  and  the  condition  he  may  be  in  at  the  time 
of  making  the  observation ;  while  in  horses  the  respirations  an' 
more  frequent,  varying  in  health,  and  when  at  rest,  from  fourteen 
to  twenty-five;  yet,  under  excitement  and  disease,  they  sometin  ee 
8  Timber  over  one  hundred. 


:yif 


""^^^if^'fi^yr^ 


TBB  CONTCKTg  OF  TBI  THORAX. 


■DLAXAnoM.— rts.  I,  TrachsB  ;  2,  BIfnrcfttion  of  the  carotid  artery ;  3.  Internal  carotid  •rt««7) 
4  t.  Anterior  lobes  of  the  lungs:  5  5  Posterior  lobog  of  the  Inngg;  6,  The  heart;  T. Ooronaft 
•rtery ;  8,  Cartilages  of  the  fal8«>  ribs ;  9,  The  diaphragm. 


When  an  animal  is  located  in  a  pure  atmosphere,  and  th« 
lungs  are  in  goo<i  working  condition,  all  the  impurities  contained 
in  venous  blood  are  brought  into  the  presence  of  oxygen  through 
the  lining  membrane  of  tlie  air-cells,  and  thus  a  change  in  the 
oolor  and  character  of  the  blood  is  immediately  effected.  In  the 
ftrtjt  place,  the  venous  blood,  as  it  appeared  before  having  teen 
fnhmitted  to  the  action  of  the  atmosphere,  was  of  a  dark  purpla 


9Z  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERT. 

color  By  union  witli  the  oxygen  of  the  atmosphere,  'It  hai 
changed  its  color  to  one  of  scarlet.  ISext,  the  union  of  oxygen 
with  the  carbon  of  the  blood  liberates  carbonic  acid  gas  and  vapor. 
The  blood  is  now  fit  for  circulation  and  for  the  renovation  of  the 
tissues.  It  appears,  therefore,  that  as  carbon  exists  in  the  venoua 
blood,  the  lungs  must  be  the  pulmonary  furnaces.  The  air-cells 
are  flues  or  safety-valves,  the  membrane  of  the  cells  being  per- 
meable to  oxygen,  yet  suffers  not  the  blood  to  escape.  Pulmonary 
combustion,  therefore,  bears  some  analogy  to  the  combustion  of 
carbon  or  charcoal  in  a  stove ;  for,  in  that  case,  the  oxygen  causea 
the  generation  or  evolution  of  carbonic  acid  gas. 

Brief  Description  of  the  Anatomy  of  the  Lungs. 

The  lungs,  in  common  parlance,  are  known  as  the  lights.  They 
pccupy  the  thoracic  cavity,  or  chest.  They  are  divided  into  right 
and  left  lobes,  with  a  septum  or  partition  between,  which  makes 
a  double  organ.  This  partition  is  a  duplicature  of  the  pleura,  or 
membrane  which  completely  lines  the  chest.  When  the  lungs 
are  healthy  and  properly  inflated,  they  occupy  the  whole  cavity  of 
the  chest;  but  when  an  action  of  expiration  is  effected,  they  are  iu 
a  comparative  state  of  coilapge,  occupying  but  a  very  small  portico 
of  the  thoracic  cavity.  The  lungs  are  composed  of  arteries,  vein?, 
absorbents,  bronchial  tubes,  air-cells,  and  also  what  is  known  ha 
their  parenchyma,  or  substance.  A  healthy  lung,  when  thrown 
into  water,  will  float  on  the  surface ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  a 
diseased  lung,  in  a  state  of  hepatization  or  condensation,  sinks  like 
a  stone.  In  the  fetal  state,  and  when  the  lungs  have  never  been 
inflated,  they  also  sink  when  thrown  into  water. 

Spasm  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Glottis  and  Epiglottis. 

The  aperture  leading  into  the  larynx  and  windpipe  is  termed 
the  glottis.  Spasm  of  the  muscles  of  the  glottis  is  one  of  the  most 
terrible  accidents  that  can  possibly  occur  in  either  man  or  horse 
I  view  it  in  the  light  of  an  accident,  because  it  usually  occurs- 
without  warning  or  any  other  premonitory  symptoms,  selecting  its 
victims  in  the  very  prime  of  life,  and  carrying  them  off,  usually, 
in  the  course  of  a  very  few  seconds.  The  terms  cramp  and  spasm 
mean  the  same  thing.     When  a  man,  while  bathing  in  the  river 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.  Si 

or  sea,  is  suddenly  seized  with  cramp,  it  is  nothing  more  nor  leas 
than  spasm  of  the  flexor  muscles  of  his  limbs.  Sometimes,  how 
ever,  the  extensor  muscles  are  affected.  In  either  case,  unleaa 
assistance  be  at  hand,  the  person  is  apt  to  find  a  watery  grave. 
Cramp  or  spasm  of  the  intestines  is  the  same  form  of  affection, 
only  it  is  confined  to  the  muscular  fibers  of  the  intestines;  and 
whenever  it  occurs  in  the  limbs  or  intestines,  it  is  always  accom- 
panied by  excruciating  pain  and  torment. 

Ti  cahnenL — As  regards  spasm  of  the  muscles  of  the  glottis,  it  is 
very  apt  to  prove  fatal,  either  in  consequence  of  lack  of  knowledge 
of  the  proper  mode  of  treatment,  or  in  failing  to  apply  the  remedy 
which  the  urgency  of  the  case  demands.  I  allude  to  the  operation 
of  tracheotomy,  which  consists  of  making  an  incision  into  the 
windpipe  and  inserting  a  tube  into  the  same.  A  tube  may  not 
always  be  at  hand,  but  this  must  not  deter  u^  from  operating;  for, 
by  some  means  or  other,  air  must  be  admitted,  even  if  it  be  neces- 
sary to  dissect  out  a  piece  of  the  trachea,  which  I  always  do  in  the 
rase  of  a  horse,  whether  I  have  a  tube  by  me  or  not.  Very  little 
pjiin  attends  the  operation,  and  that  only  occurs  when  cutting 
through  the  skin ;  for  the  windpipe,  being  composed  of  cartilage, 
is  comparatively  insensible.  It  may  be  policy,  when  the  subject 
is  not  in  immediate  peril  of  his  life,  to  resort  to  some  counter- 
irritant  and  antispasmodic  liniment  (equal  parts  of  spirits  of 
camphor  and  tincture  of  lobelia) ;  but  when  the  danger  is  immi- 
nent, and  the  finger  of  Death  is  plainly  on  the  patient,  we  only 
waste  precious  moments  in  the  use  of  outward  applications. 

The  following  case,  reported  by  J.  B.  Dobsox,  V.  S.,  may  pos- 
sibly prove  both  interesting  and  instructive  to  some  of  our  readers : 

"At  night  a  messenger  came,  saying  the  horse  was  very  ill. 
Upon  entering  the  stable,  the  animal  presented  the  following 
symptoms:  He  was  stretched  out  his  full  length  in  the  stable, 
apparently  in  the  agonies  of  suffocation  ;  and  such  was  the  difficulty 
attending  respiration  that  he  positively  screamed,  in  performing 
the  act,  so  as  to  be  heard  at  some  considerable  distance.  I  had 
not  been  with  him  many  seconds,  however,  before  he  was  slightly 
relieved,  and  in  about  ten  minutes  the  spasm  passed  off,  leaving 
him,  witii  the  exception,  of  course,  of  great  exhaustion,  otherwise 
as  well  as  ever.  Viewing  the  case  as  one  of  sj^asni  of  the  muscles 
of  the  glottis,  I  applied  stimulants,  and  ordered  constant  fomen- 
tations to  the  larynx,  and  left    .im  with  directions  to  be  closely 


?2  DADUS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

waUilied,  in  case  the  spasm  might  return.  In  the  middle  of  fo 
night  I  was  again  called,  in  haste;  and  this  time  the  breathing 
seGined,  if  possible,  worse  than  before,  and  it  was  evident  that,  if 
no  relief  were  afforded,  the  animal  must  soon  be  suffocated.  I 
accordingly,  with  some  difficulty,  owing  to  his  struggles,  per- 
formed tracheotomy.  The  relief  was  instantaneous,  and  he  waa 
soon  on  his  legs,  and  anxious  to  feed.  From  this  time  the  trach- 
eotomy tube  was  kept  in  his  throat  for  a  week,  when,  considering 
that  the  glottis  might  have  resumed  its  normal  functions,  I  placed 
a  Qork  in  the  orifice  of  the  tube  and  sent  him  to  work,  as  an 
experiment,  ordering  the  cork  to  be  removed  if  any  symptom 
of  suffocation  should  come  on.  We,  how^ever,  found  that  the 
slightest  effort  at  exertion  brought  on  a  fit  of  bad  breathing,  and 
it  became  evident  that  he  would  not  work  without  tlie  tube. 
The  horse  was  accordingly  sent  to  his  regular  work  with  tlie  tube 
in  his  trachea,  and,  for  three  or  four  months,  he  did  his  accus- 
tomed labor  with  it  in.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  however,  by 
an  accident,  the  tube  fell  out,  when  he  was  some  miles  from 
home,  and  the  horse  coming  home  tolerably  well  without  it,  the 
horse-keeper  neglected  to  inform  me  of  it  for  a  day  or  two,  and 
when  I  saw  my  patient,  the  aperture  in  the  muscles  of  the  neck 
had  closed.  As  the  horse  now  seemed  to  work  well  without  the 
tracheotomy  tube,  it  was  not  reinserted,  and  from  that  time  to 
this  (more  than  two  years)  he  had  not  another  attack." 

Should  a  case  of  this  kind  occur,  and  the  consulted  party  have 
no  tube  at  hand,  he  must  pass  a  ligature  through  each  side  of 
the  orifice,  including  a  portion  of  skin  and  muscles.  Eacli  liga- 
<ure  is  then  to  be  passed  over  opposite  sides  of  the  neck,  and  tied 
at  the  upper  part,  just  tight  enough  to  keep  the  lips  of  the 
wound  apart.  In  this  way  air  is  admitted  into  the  windpipe, 
and  thus  the  animal  is  out  of  danger. 

Lakyngitis  (Suppurative  and  Inflammatory). 

Lar}''ngitis  signifies  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of 
the.  larynx.  On  applying  the  ear  to  the  region  of  the  throat,  th« 
lociility  of  the  affection  is  very  evident,  from  the  fact  that  no  such 
emijarrassed  sound  can  be  elicited  in  the  lower  part  of  the  wind- 
pipe. Hence  it  must  be  inferred  that  the  disease  is  located  ia 
the  upper,  or  superior,  passage  of  respiration 


J>ISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS. 


'V, 


TKACBKOTOMT   TUBK   IMREBTES    IK   THE   WIKDP1PS. 


The  intlammatory  condition  exists  during  a  limited  period, 
raiying  from  one  to  live  days.  Tlien  commences  the  suppura- 
tive stage,  which  is  accompanied  by  a  copious  discharge,  from 
both  nostrils,  of  a  secretion  somewhat  resembling  j)us,  or  matter. 

Causes. — As  regards  the  s}>ecial  cause  of  this  atlection  very  lit- 
tle is  known,  it  may  be  supj)osi'tl,  however,  to  originate  in  a 
common  cold,  or  catarrh;  yet  it  is  well  known  that  horses  art 
sometimes  attacked  with  it  that  are  nut  exposed  to  the  ordinary 
influ'^nces  which  induce  a  catarrhal  ailectioa.  Therefore  we  may 
infer  that  such  disease  will  occasionally  occur,  either  spontane- 
ously or  accidentally,  as  the  case  may  be,  in  spite  of  our  best 
efforts  to  j)revent  it.  As  the  old  saying  is,  "  ^Nature  is  ever  busy 
in  maintaining  the  integrity  of  the  vital  forces  of  the  animal 
economy.  Any  deviation  from  the  prescribed  laws  which  physi- 
ology imposes  is  a  sure  and  certain  cause  of  disease." 

I  now  propose  to  intrmluce  a  case  which,  at  the  time  of  its  oo» 
nirrence.  attracted  much  attention  and  curi^^ity,  both  on  aoocant 


S>4  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

of  the  great  value  of  the  animal,  and  the  desperate  state  of  the 
case  at  the  time  it  fell  into  my  hands.  It  will  abo  serve  to  in- 
dorse the  old  aphorism  that  "  where  there  is  life  there  is  hope." 
Record  of  the  Case. — The  patient  was  a  Patchen  colt,  aged  four 
years,  a  very  handsome  and  promising  animal.  He  was  pur- 
chased by  Mr.  McPherson,  of  this  city,  for  the  sum  of  two 
thousand  dollars,  and,  at  the  time  of  his  sickness,  was  considered 
worth  thrt^e  thousand.  But  disease  neither  respects  ma  a  nor 
horse.  Each  have,  once  in  awhile,  to  sufier  and  groan,  s^^'allow 
drugs  and  get  well,  or  die,  as  the  case  may  be.  And  as  regards 
the  horse,  the  more  costly  shall  he  be,  the  more  likely  is  he  to 
get  sick,  from  the  fact  that  valuable  horses  are  almost  always 
overfed  and  petted,  and  receive  too  much  care  and  attention.  On 
arriving  at  the  stable  where  the  animal  was  located,  I  found  hiiD 
in  a  dangerous  condition.  He  appeared  to  be  gasping  for  breatli. 
A  loud  stertorous  noise,  which  could  be  heard  at  some  distance, 
indicated  the  nature  of  the  difficulty  as  depending  on  obstruo 
tion  within  the  larynx.  The  pulse  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw  wai 
very  indistinct.  Both  pupils  of  the  eyes  were  dilated,  or  in  s. 
state  of  amaurosis.  The  extremities  and  external  surface  of  tb( 
body  were  deathly  cold.  The  tongue  and  visible  mucous  surfacci; 
were  livid,  indicating  sjseedy  death.  Once  in  awhile  the  animal 
would  be  seized  with  a  convulsive  or  spasmodic  fit  of  coughing, 
which,  every  time,  seemed  to  threaten  his  life.  In  those  fits  of 
coughing  he  j.asscd  from  the  nostrils  a  sort  of  cheesy  matter^ 
which  appear,  d  to  be  mixed  up  with  a  diphtherial  exudation — 
yellow  secreti*  n  and  froth.  Under  the  above  circumstances,  any 
attempt  to  a  [minister  medicine  was  deemed  unsafe.  I  there- 
fore decided  to  perform  the  operation  known  as  tracheotomy, 
whicn  was  d*  ue,  in  the  following  manner :  Having  secured  the 
services  of  /  couple  of  assistants,  the  horse  was  led  to  a  conven- 
ient spot  iu  the  center  of  the  stable.  An  incision  was  then  made 
through  ''he  skin,  to  expose  the  trachea,  about  midway  between 
the  jatv?,  and  breast-bone.  The  trachea  was  now  punctured  by 
meani  of  a  pointed  scalpel,  and  a  probe-pointed  bistoury  was  used 
to  diL/rct  out  a  piece  of  the  windpipe,  corresponding  to  the  size  of 
the  t/acheotomy  tube.  This  tube,  after  being  inserted  into  the 
windpipe,  was  secured  in  place  by  means  of  elastic  tape,  which  was 
|.«asscd  around  the  neck  and  tied.  On  the  introduction  of  the 
bube  the  alarming  symptoms  immediately  subsided,  and  th^^  ict 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.  9 

of  breathing  was  performed  through  the  tube.  I  then  applied  a 
counter-irritant  to  the  throat,  composed  of  cod-liver  oil  and  spirits 
of  camphor,  equal  jxirts;  ordered  a  warm  bran  mash,  into  which 
was  sprinkled  one  ounce  of  powdered  chlorate  of  potass. 

For  several  days  a  very  copious  discharge  from  both  nostrils 
occurred;  also  from  the  orifice  made  in  the  windpipe;  so  that  tlia 
tracheotomy  tube  had  to  be  removed  and  cleansed  several  times, 
beta  during  the  day  and  night.  Four  days  after  the  operation, 
at  mght,  the  tube  accidentally  slipped  out  of  the  windpipe,  auJ 
the  mishap  was  not  discovered  until  morning,  when  I  found  that 
air  from  the  lungs  had  escaped  into  the  cellular  tissue,  and  in- 
flated it  so  that  the  soft  parts  in  the  region  of  the  neck  and  head 
appeared  much  swollen.  I  gave  the  patient,  twice  daily,  one 
ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  and  had  the  swollen  parts  well 
rubbed  with  liniment.  On  the  fifth  day  I  removed  the  tube  from 
the  windpipe,  and  allowed  the  animal  to  breathe  through  the  arti- 
ficial opening,  he  still  being  unable  to  respire  through  the  nostrils. 
At  the  expiration  of  fifteen  days  from  the  commencement  of  the 
animal's  sickness,  the  wound  in  the  windpipe  was  closed,  natural 
respiration  having  been  restored.  During  the  treatment  of  the 
patient,  he  was  allowed,  occasionally,  flaxseed  tea,  with  about  one 
ounce  of  chlorate  of  potass  per  day.  He  had  good  attention,  or, 
rather,  good  nursing,  and  finally  was  again  restored  to  usefulness. 

In  the  early  stage  of  laryngitis,  or,  rather,  the  inflammatory 
stage,  cold  water  bandages  should  be  applied  to  the  throat,  and 
a  few  doses  of  fluid  extract  of  gelseminum,  at  the  rate  of  one 
fluid  drachm  per  dose. 

Croup  (Cynanche  Trachealis). 

Croup  (cynanche  trachealis),  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  termed, 
tracheitis,  manifests  itself  in  the  form  of  a  violent  and  suddec 
disease  affecting  the  mucous  membrane  of  that  portion  of  the 
fcir-passages  which  lies  between  the  laryngeal  cartilages  and  the 
primary  pass-ages  of  the  trachea,  or  windpipe.  Coxdie  contends 
Uiat,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  the  inflammation  in  croup  com- 
mences in  the  mncoiis  membrane  of  the  larynx,  and  from  theno« 
extendii  into  the  trachea.  The  disease  is,  therefore,  strictly  speak- 
ing, a  iSLTyngeo-tracheitis.  In  many  instances,  however,  we  have 
reason  :.  belisve  that  tlie  inflammation  commences  in  the  bronchi, 


9&  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

and  from  thence  extends  to  the  trachea;  but  there  are,  we  8iispect> 
very  few  cases  indeed,  if  any,  in  which  the  disease  is  confined  to 
the  trachea.  In  cases  of  croup  that  have  terminated  rapidly  in 
ieath,  the  inflammation  and  pseudo-membianous  exudation  which 
form  so  striking  a  feature  in  this  disease  are  found  only  in  the 
larynx  and  upper  portion  of  the  trachea.  When  death  occurs  at 
a  later  period,  the  exudation  is  often  pres(  nt  in  the  trachea  alons, 
or  in  the  trachea  and  bronchi.  It  is  never  found  to  exist  in  the 
latter  tubes  alone.  It  has  been  attempted  to  be  shown,  by  JuEiN 
and  others,  that  in  the  ordinary  form  of  croup  the  disease  is,  in  its 
first  stages  at  least,  simply  a  tracheitis,  and  that  in  the  more  vio- 
lent and  rapid  form  (suiFocating  croup)  the  inflammation  is  con- 
finea  to  the  larynx.  Although  this  is  not  strictly  true,  as  is  proved 
by  the  result  of  numerous  dissections,  yet  our  observations  have 
shown  us  that  in  cases  marked  by  symptoms  of  great  violence, 
which  are  sudden  in  their  onset  and  rapid  in  their  progress,  the 
indications  of  inflammation  are  to  a  much  greater  extent,  and  the 
pseudo-membranous  exudation  more  copious  about  the  larynx,  glot 
tis,  and  upper  portion  of  the  trachea,  than  in  cases  in  which  the 
disease  succeeds  to  bronchitis,  runs  a  more  protracted  course,  and 
IS  attended  by  symptoms  of  less  violence. 

The  disease  generally  makes  its  appearance  during  the  latter 
part  of  winter  and  in  early  spring,  and  most  frequently  occurs 
among  horses  just  introduced  to  city  life.  The  subjects  such  aa 
the  author  has  had  occasion  to  treat  were  young,  most  of  them  of 
the  lymphatic  temperament,  having  short,  thick  necks,  which 
abounded  in  a  profuse  development  of  adipose  and  cellular  tissues, 
which  results  in  a  rotund  bodily  conformation.  This,  perhaps, 
goes  to  show  that  some  hereditary  idiosyncrasy  plays  a  part  in  tl.e 
creation  of  the  disease. 

Causes. — The  indirect  causes  of  the  disorder  are  embraced  among 
the  evils  of  domestication,  which  include  errors  in  diet,  impure 
air,  and  bad  management.  It  usually  dates  its  origin  from  what 
are  generally  considered  as  the  causes  of  common  cold.  Several 
days  previous  to  the  attack,  the  animal  appears  "  dum])ish,"  drowsy, 
and  inactive,  having  little  desire  for  artificial  food,  and  less  for 
waler.  The  eyes  appear  somewhat  tumefied,  and  the  re'^pirationa 
are  laborious,  having  a  peculiar,  croupy  sound,  accom])anied  by  a 
distressing  cough.  The  respirations  can  be  heard  at  a  distance  (aa 
Uie  disease  progresses);  and  on  making  pressure  in  the  region  of 


DISEASES   OF    RESPIRATORY    PASSAGES    AND   ORGANS.         97 

ihe  larynx,  the  animal  evinces  signs  of  uneasiness,  suffocation,  and 
pain.  Soon  the  mucous,  schneiderian,  and  conjunctivlal  mem- 
branes become  reddened,  the  eyes  protrude,  the  tongue  tumefies, 
and  external  tumefaction  in  the  region  of  the  throat  may  be  ob 
served.  Febrile  symptoms  are  also  present,  manifested  by  cold- 
ness of  the  exterior  and  increased  temperature  of  tlie  mterior 
parts.  The  nose  appears  dry,  and  the  mouth  is  full  of  frothy  saliva 
(sometimes  lymphy  mucus),  and  some  difficulty  is  encountered  in 
opening  the  latter. 

History  of  the  Disease. — The  following  case,  from  the  author's 
note-book,  will  probably  prove  interesting  to  the  reader:  Tlie 
patient,  a  roan  mare,  aged  seven.  Temperament,  lymphatic. 
Just  arrived,  in  company  with  several  other  horses,  from  Ohio. 
The  property  of  Mr.  Banford,  Merrimac  stable,  Boston.  Our 
patient  had  been  "ailing"  some  three  or  four  days  before  our 
services  were  secured,  at  which  time  she  was  laboring  under 
"  alarming  symptoms  "  bordering  on  suffocation.  The  pulse  was 
indistinct,  small,  thready,  and  difficult  to  number,  yet  probi.bly 
exceeded  sixty.  The  breathing  was  croupy,  or  stertorous,  and 
could  be  heard  at  a  distance  of  several  yards.  The  nostrils  were 
dilated,  and  from  them  issued  a  lymphy  discharge,  mixed  with  traces 
of  blood.  The  submaxillary  space  was  somewhat  tumefied,  hard, 
unyielding,  and  seemed  to  constrict  the  larynx  and  its  associate 
muscles.  The  eyes  were  prominent,  their  membranen  congested, 
and  streaks  of  tears  escaped  over  the  inner  canthus.  The  flanks 
were  bedewed  with  a  cold,  clammy  perspiration.  The  tips  of  thp 
ears  were  quite  cold,  and  the  limbs  the  same.  Auscultation,  lu 
tlie  region  of  the  larynx,  revealed  a  very  laborious  and  crepitating 
rii  ucous  rale.  The  trachea  itself  seemed  to  be  free  from  obstruc- 
nou.  Thoracic  auscultation  elicited  nothing  tending  to  ~how  that 
the  lungs  were  involved. 

The  patient  appeared  to  be  in  a  deplorable,  in  fiict  dying,  con- 
dition, making  a  sort  of  gasping  effort  to  inflate  the  lungs.  There 
was  little  time  to  spare;  and  being  satisfied  that  the  larynx 
was  the  seat  of  obstruction,  we  immediately  cut  down  upon  the 
trachea,  about  five  inches  below  the  thyroid  cartilage,  and  ampu- 
tated, from  between  two  rings  of  the  tj-achea,  a  piece,  of  an  oval 
Bhape,  corresponding  in  size  to  the  caliber  of  Arnold's  tracheotomy 
tube,  which  was  the  instrument  used  on  this  occasion.  So  soon 
M  the  opening  into  the  trachea  was  effected,  the  patient  experi- 

7 


9t  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERT, 

enced  instantaneous  relief  from  suffocation,  and  all  dangei  from 
the  same  seemed  to  have  immediately  passed  away.  The  tube 
was  now  introduced  and  secured  around  the  neck  in  the  usual 
manner,  after  which  the  patient  received  an  aloetic  enema,  and 
had  a  strong  counter-irritant  applied  to  the  submaxillary  space 
and  throat,  after  which  the  fauces  w^ere  swabbed  with  a  weak 
solution  of  alum,  by  means  of  sponge  secured  to  a  piece  of  whale- 
bone. On  examining  the  "  swab,"  a  sort  of  lymphy  or  albumin- 
ous concretion  adhered  to  it ;  the  mucous  membrane  of  ths  larynx 
was  either  injected  or  oedematous.  The  pharynx  was  not  involved, 
as  the  animal,  shortly  after  the  operation,  drank  two  quarts  of 
water,  containing  two  drachms  of  nitrate  potassa. 

The  tube  remained  within  the  trachea  for  a  period  of  five  dayo, 
during  which  time  very  little  occurred  worth  recording,  except 
that  one  night  pneumatosis  (distension  of  the  cellular  membrane 
with  air)  appeared,  which  yielded  to  a  dose  of  hyposulphite  of 
soda  and  an  outward  application  ol  liquor  ammonia  acetatis ;  and, 
also,  on  the  fifth  day,  a  submaxillary  tumor  was  punctured,  which 
discharged  freely.  At  the  end  of  the  above  period,  it  was  ascer- 
tained, by  holding  a  lighted  lamp  to  the  nostrils,  at  the  same  time 
stopping  up  the  orifice  in  the  instrument,  that  the  animal  breathed 
through  the  usual  channel.  Then  the  instrument  was  removed, 
the  parts  cleansed,  and  secured  together  by  suture.  The  wounds 
healed  by  the  usual  process,  and,  at  the  end  of  three  weeks,  the 
animal  was  disposed  of,  and  went  to  work. 

The  oper^'^ion  of  tracheotomy,  formidable  as  it  may  appear  to 
some.  Is  unattended  with  danger;  yet,  like  every  other  process  of 
surger}'  or  medicine,  is  only  calculated  to  relieve  certain  states 
peculiarly  adapted  to  the  remedy.  For  example,  the  operation  is 
admissible  in  cases  of  nasal  obstruction,  from  the  presence  of  nasal 
polypus  or  other  causes;  spasm  of  the  larynx,  threatening  suffo- 
cation; suppurative  laryngitis,  when  the  animal  is  in  great  dw- 
tress  for  "  breath ; "  and  in  case  of  any  foreign  body  occupying  the 
larynx,  which  precludes  the  possibility  of  continuing  the  process 
of  respiration.  On  the  other  hand,  the  operation  is  worse  than 
useless  in  cases  of  lung  difficulty,  bronchial  obstruction,  or  when 
obstruct  ion  occurs  within  the  traohea  posterior  to  the  usual  point 
selected  fcr  the  operation. 


diseases  of  kespiratury  passages  ajud  organs.        90 

Cough  in  its  Chronic  and  Acute  Stage. 

Ajcordiug  to  veterinary  jurisprudence,  a  cough,  so  long  aa  it 
».'\sts,  renders  the  animal  unsound ;  hence  it  is  very  important  that 
we  should  know  something  about  its  cause,  nature,  and  treat- 
ment. C'lrouic  cough  is  often  the  result  of  indiscretion  in  the 
treatment  of  influenza,  distemper,  and  disease  of  the  respiratory 
apparatus.  It  usually  depends  on  a  morbid  and  irritable  condition 
of  the  membrane  found  on  the  interior  of  the  respiratory  passages. 
The  cough  is  generally  aggravated  by  over-exertion,  especially 
when  the  roads  are  dusty.  Food  of  an  inferior  quality,  and  that 
of  a  musty  character,  has  the  same  effect. 

It  is  generally  supposed,  by  those  persons  who  have  not  had  the 
oenefit  of  a  medical  education,  that  the  presence  of  acute  or  chronic 
cough  indicates  diseased  lungs,  or  disease  in  some  parts  of  the 
organs  of  respiration.  But  this  is  not  always  the  case ;  for,  when- 
ever the  liver  becomes  diseased,  the  subject  is  very  apt  to  be  tor- 
mented with  a  harrassing  cough,  which  lasts  as  long  as  that  organ 
shall  be  the  seat  of  disease.  However,  there  are  several  symptoms 
to  be  observed  in  eases  of  functional  or  organic  disease  of  the  liver 
»vhich  are  not  present  in  lung  disease ;  lience  there  is  no  diificulty 
in  the  way  of  making  a  correct  diagnosis.  And  for  the  benefit 
of  the  non-professional,  the  author  would  inform  them  that,  in  all 
cases  of  liver  disease,  a  marked  yellow  tinge  will  be  observed  on 
the  visible  surfaces  within  the  mouth  ;  the  tongue  slightly  coated; 
the  dung  unusually  dark  colored,  and  voided  in  hardened  lumps, 
Mild  the  uriiie  also  of  a  dark  yellow  color. 

Treatment  lJ  Ghronic  Cough. — Give  tlie  patient  daily  one  ounce 
of  the  fluid  extract  of  Indian  hemp  (foreign),  and  ofler  him  occa- 
eionally  some  flaxseed  tea ;  or  sprinkle  in  his  food,  every  night,  a 
handful  of  unground  flaxseed.  Sliould  this  fail  to  effect  a  cure, 
prepare  the  following: 

No.  13.  Flaid  extract  of  bloodroot 4  ok. 

I  laid  extract  of  pleurisy-root 6  oz. 

Coumoa  syrup ^  pint 

Mir. 

Doefe,  two  ounods  per  day. 

The  acute  cough  may  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  aa  abov«i, 
by  sulistituting  foi-  tne  syrup  half  a  pint  of  syrup  of  squills. 
In  the  case  of  liver  disease,  accompanied  by  oough,  give  the 


100  DADD'S  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Rnimal  one  ounce  of  fluid  extract  of  maadrake  every  six  nours, 
until  it  operates  on  the  bowels,  or  die  Jiembranes  of  the  mouth 
lose  their  yellow  tinge. 

Roaring. 

Roaring  is  usually  the  result  of  structural  alterations  within 
the  larynx,  or  upper  part  of  the  windpipe  bordering  on  the 
trachea.  In  mild  cases  of  roaring,  we  usually  find  a  thickened 
state  of  the  membrane  lining  the  upper  portion  of  the  respiratory 
passage ;  and  when  roaring  is  occasioned  by  thickening  of  this 
membrane,  its  degree  depends  on  the  ratio  of  decrease  in  the  cali- 
ber of  the  tube  breathed  through.  Roaring  is  a  very  aristocratic 
disease.  Many  of  the  very  best  and  fastest  horses  in  England 
were,  and  are  now,  notorious  roarers.  "  Flying  Childers,"  as  faiit 
a  horse  as  ever  wore  horseshoes,  was  one  of  the  worst  roarers  ev((i 
known.  The  story  runs  that  when  "  Childers  "  was  at  full  speal, 
his  roaring  resembled  juvenile  thunder  !  He  could  be  heard  when 
distant  half  a  mile ! 

The  worst  form  of  this  disease  is  whistling.  This  is  the  shaip 
shrill  note  not  only  occasioned  by  the  thickening  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  primary  passages  of  respiration,  but  by  altera- 
tions in  the  form  and  structure  of  the  larynx,  the  larynx  beinjj, 
in  popular  language,  known  as  the  "  voice-box." 

Roaring  is  more  prevalent  among  stallions  than  mares  and 
geldings,  ami  the  kind  of  horse  most  subject  to  it  is  the  one  haN^- 
ing  a  thick,  chunky  neck,  and  having  the  angles  of  the  jaws  in 
very  close  proximity  with  the  neck.  Roaring  scarcely,  if  ever, 
admits  of  a  radical  cure ;  and  when  of  a  hereditary  or  congenital 
origin,  a  cure  is  impossible.  A  roarer  should  never  be  incum- 
bered with  a  check-rein ;  for  it  has  the  effect  of  causing  undue 
pressure  on  the  larynx,  and  thus  augments  the  difficulty.  Roaring 
can,  however,  be  relieved  by  an  operation  known  as  tracheotomy, 
^hich  is  performed  at  a  point  a  few  inches  below  the  larynx. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Imperial  and  Central  Society  of  Veteri- 
nary Medicine,  M.  Leblanc  read  a  communication  on  tracheot- 
omy which  was  performed  on  a  carriage  horse.  The  o])eration 
had  been  performed  because  the  horse  was  a  severe  roarer ;  and  h€ 
wore  the  tube  eighteen  years  and  a  half,  doing  fast  work  all  the 
time.  The  animal  was  destroyed  at  twenty-three  years  of  age 
the  owner  not  desiring  to  make  further  use  of  him  nor  to  sel 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGA^S.        101 

hiia.  Since  the  operation,  Leblanc  had  not  observed  any 
change  in  the  horse,  except  a  depression  of  the  bones  of  the  face. 
After  death,  the  hirynx  was  found  very  narrow,  the  mucous  mem- 
brane and  submucous  cellular  tissues  were  thickened,  the  epiglot- 
tis deformed,  very  obtuse,  and  everted  at  its  free  margin.  The 
viianges  in  the  larynx  were  the  original  cause  of  roaring.  The 
depression  of  the  bones  of  the  face  was  connected  with  constric- 
tion uf  the  nasal  chambers,  and  was  evidently  secondaiy  to  the 
change  in  the  course  of  the  air  in  the  process  of  respiration.  The 
parts  of  the  trachea  in  contact  with  the  tube  had  undergone  a 
transformation  into  very  hard  tissue.  It  filled  the  trachea  above 
the  point  where  the  tube  had  been  introduced,  and  intermixed 
witl  this  firm  fibrous  deposit  was  a  cartilaginous  and  osseous  tissue, 
which  offered  great  resistance  to  the  scalpel.  Roaring,  thick  wind, 
w  bistling,  etc.,  are  often  the  sequel  of  strangles,  influenza,  laryn- 
gitis,  and  other  affections  of  the  respiratory  passages,  and  henoe 
hi  ive  an  accidental  origin.  In  such  cases,  we  may  entertain  a  hope 
o\  doing  some  good  by  means  of  medicinal  agents  and  counter- 
irritation. 

Treatment. — The  medicines  which  have  proved  most  successfiil 
in  my  practice  are  as  follows: 

No.  14.  Iodide  of  potass 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  stillingia 12  oz. 

Water 4  oz. 

Mix. 

Give  the  patient  two  ounces  daily,  by  means  of  a  small  vial; 
and  rub  the  region  of  the  throat  every  night  with  a  portion  of 
the  following : 

No.  15.  Cod-liver  oil )  j 

bpirits  01  camphor j    ^        *^ 


Polypus  within  the  Nostrils. 

Polypus  is  the  name  given  to  an  excrescence,  or  tumor,  -^hiuh 
has  its  origin  from  the  surface  of  the  membrane  lining  the  nasal 
cavities.  It  is  designated  as  growing  from  a  mucous  membrane, 
having  a  narrow  neck  and  body,  resembling,  in  shape,  a  pear. 
The  usual  symptoms  attending  the  presence  of  polypus  in  the  nasal 
cavities  are  as  follows :  Difficulty  of  breathing,  evidently  occasioned 
by  obstruction  in  the  air-passages. 


502  DADbS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY, 

Percivall  iuforms  us  that  the  true  polypus  i^  at- 
tached to  mucous  membranes,  and  is  usually  found  in 
the  nasal  cavities.  He  tells  us  that  attending  the  diffi- 
culty of  breathing  is  a  mucous  discharge  from  one  or 
both  nostrils,  sometimes  attended  by  a  discha'ge  of 
blood.  Occasionally,  however,  pure  blood  runs  con- 
tinuouslv  from  the  nose.  Inspection  in  a  full  light  dis- 
"N^rKil"^  closes,  higher  oi  lower  in  the  nostril,  the  rounded  base 
of  a  polypus. 
Treatment. — The  services  of  a  veterinary  surgeon  are,  as  & 
matter  of  course,  here  needed.  The  patient  must  be  cast  and  the 
head  fixed  in  a  position  so  as  to  take  advantage  of  the  light.  The 
operator  then  passes  into  the  nostril  and  around  the  tumor  an  in- 
stranieiit  called  an  ecraiseur,  which  will  remove  the  tumor  without 
loss  of  blood.  If  the  instrument  is  not  at  hand,  the  surgeon  will 
pass  a  ligature  around  the  base  of  the  tumor,  and  in  the  course  of 
a  couple  of  days  it  wnll  be  detached.  Percivall  recommeuda 
'hat,  in  bringing  down  the  tumor  for  operation,  we  must  not  use 
any  great  force.  The  pedicle  being  but  a  duplicature  of  the  skin, 
and  not  a  jjortion  of  the  polypus  itself,  may  be  divided  anywhere. 
In  some  cases,  the  polypus  is  so  high  up  within  the  nostril  that, 
"n  order  to  get  at  its  base,  it  becomes  necessary  to  make  an  incis- 
ion through  the  wall  of  the  nostril. 

Chabert,  in  his  "  Veterinary  Instructions,"  relates  the  follow- 
ing: "A  horse  in  a  cavalry  regiment  had  been  gradually  losing 
flesh,  and  was  quickly  and  painfully  blown  at  every  little  exer- 
tion. Fetid  matter  began  to  run  from  his  off  nostril,  and  the 
gland  correspondent  enlarged.  The  horse  was  supposed  by  the 
sergeant-farrier  to  be  glandered,  (there  being  no  veterinary  sur- 
geons then  in  the  French  service,)  and  was  treated  accordingly. 
After  a  time,  to  the  confusion  and  astonishment  of  the  man,  a 
fleshy  substance  began  to  appear  in  the  nostril,  and  which  rapidly 
increased  in  size.  At  length  a  great  mass  protruded,  and  the  far- 
n<>r  ci't  it  off.  No  benefit  followed;  the  nostril  was  still  stoppo)-*, 
the  brt,athing  laborious,  and  the  horse  daily  became  thinner  and 
weaker.  After  the  lapse  of  a  twelvemonth,  the  case  attracted 
the  attention  of  M.  Tears,  the  surgeon  of  the  regiment.  He  cast 
the  horse  and  slit  up  the  nostril,  when  he  not  only  found  it  com- 
pletely filled  w'ith  polypus,  and  the  septum  narium  bulging  into 
the  other  division  of  the  cavity,  but,  from  long-continupd  inflam- 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  ANi;  ORGANS.        103 

mation  and  pressure,  it  adhered  to  the  membrane  of  the  nose  in  m 
many  points,  and  so  extensively,  that  it  was  impossible  to  get 
round  it  or  move  it.  He  contrived,  at  length,  to  pass  a  crucial 
bandage  around  it,  and  it  was  torn  out  by  main  force.  Four  con- 
siderable portions  of  the  turbinated  bones  were  brought  away  with 
it.  The  hemorrhage  was  excessive.  He  however  filled  the  no8- 
tril  completely  with  tow,  and  brought  the  divided  edges  of  the 
fiilst  nostril  together  by  sutures.  In  three  days  they  were  all 
torn  out  by  the  incessant  attempts  of  the  animal  to  get  rid  of  the 
obstruction;  but  the  horse  eventually  did  well.  The  polypus 
weighed  two  pounds  seven  ounces." 

GoHiEE  relates  a  case  of  a  horse  who  had  in  his  left  nostril  a 
polypus  as  large  as  a  turkey's  egg,  of  a  grayish  color  and  glossy 
surface,  too  high  up  to  be  reached  with  the  finger,  which  prevented 
his  breathing  on  that  side,  and  give  rise  to  offensive  effluvium,  tc 
enlargement  of  the  lymphatic  glands,  but  not  to  roaring.  Go- 
HTER  slit  up  the  nostril,  and,  with  an  iroii  rod  with  a  notch  upon 
its  end,  contrived  to  inclose  its  neck  in  the  slip-knot  of  a  liga- 
ture. In  drawing  this  tight,  however — which  was,  of  necessity 
done  in  an  oblique  direction — the  pedicle  was  cut  through.  Little 
hemorrhage  succeeded,  although  the  tumor  weighed  twenty-four 
ounces.  The  slit  nostril  was  sewn  up,  and  cold  water  injected  into 
lis  cavity.  A  copious  discharge  from  both  nostrils  followed,  with 
BAvelUng  of  the  lymphatic  glands.  This  was  met  by  proper  treat- 
ment, and  in  fifteen  days  the  patient  was  sent  out  of  the  hospital. 


Bronchocele  (Goitre,  or  Big  Neck). 

Bronchocele,  or  enlargement  cf  the  thyroid  glands,  is  a  disease 
which  very  frequently  makes  its  appearance  among  certain  breeds 
of  horses  and  sheep,  and  is  supposed  to  owe  its  origin  to  heredi- 
tar}-  predispositions  and  influences.  It  is  also  very  prevalent 
among  members  of  the  human  family.  It  seems  to  acquire  a 
home  in  certain  localities  in  Derbyshire,  England,  where  it  is 
Raid  to  be  a  very  common  disorder;  but  its  occurrence  in  other 
parts  of  that  country  is  by  no  means  frequent.  Among  the  in- 
habitants of  the  Alps,  and  other  mountainrus  countries  bordering 
thereon,  it  is  a  disease  very  often  met  with. 

Tlie  unrastratod  nninials  setMu  to  suffer  most.     After  thfy  eei 


1U4  DADO'S  VETERIN/RY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERf 

to  be  about  eight  years  of  age,  the  tumors  acquire  such  magnk 
tude  that  they  press  on  the  vocal  organs,  so  as  to  decrease  th« 
caliber  of  the  larynx,  and  thus  the  animal  becomes  a  "roarer." 
Judging  from  what  we  know  of  the  disease  in  the  human  subject, 
the  glands,  while  undergoing  enlargement,  do  not  occasion  much 
pain.  The  danger  arises  from  mechanical  causes,  and  the  death 
of  the  subject,  if  it  occur,  is  due  to  asphyxia,  or  suffocation. 
Among  horses  there  are  very  few  fatal  cases  on  record.  Ths 
reverse  is  the  case  as  regards  sheep.  ^\Tien  these  glands  are 
much  enlarged,  and  the  animal  is  near  or  past  the  adult  age,  it 
is  very  unsafe  to  attempt  their  removal  by  means  of  the  knife; 
for  at  this  stage  they  are  highly  vascular,  and  the  arteries  \?hich 
ran  into  them  are  much  enlarged.     The  operation  has  been  aao- 


tmowtn^  rai  TtmoB  or  brohohocele  in  the  beoior  or  thi  rmacu, 

waasfully  performed  on  lambs,  but  it  must  be  done  when  they  ai« 
qnite  young,  and  the  artery  must  be  secured  before  the  gland  ia 
extirpated,  or  the  animal  will  bleed  to  death  in  a  few  seconds.  It 
is  well  known  among  the  members  of  the  profession  that  the  dia- 
ease  is  incurable;  and  the  same  remarks  apply  to  all  hereditary 
diseases,  yet  the  growth  of  the  glands  may  be  retarded  by  means 
of  local  and  constitutional  treatment. 

The  thyroid  glands  are  two  ovoid  bodies,  varying  in  size  from 
a  filbert  to  an  egg,  located  in  the  region  of  the  thyroid  cartilage 
(throat),  one  on  each  side  of  the  trachea  (windpipe).  Their  at- 
tachments are  cellular.  ^Yhen  cut  into,  they  exhibit  a  porus  tex- 
ture, highly  vascular,  well  supplied  with  blood-vessels.  Very 
little  is  known  of  their  physiology.     They  are  called  vaaeulai 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.         10ft 

glands  without  ducts  or  outlets,  and  thus  they  correspond  with 
the  spleen,  thymus  gland,  and  supra-renal  capsules,  all  of  which, 
when  ifi  active  operation,  are  largely  supplied  with  blood.  Aa 
regards  the  function  of  each,  they  may  be  supposed  to  te».}_arat« 
certain  materials  from  the  blood,  and  only  differ  from  ordinary 
glands  in  not  having  a  direct  outlet.  Consequently,  not  knowing 
tiie  i^recise  part  which  the  thyroid  glands  play  in  the  animal 
^onomy,  it  would  be  very  unwise  to  remove  them,  when  their 
enlargement,  in  some  cases^  amounts  to  little  else  than  an  "  eye- 
sore." Their  enlargement  is  generally  the  consequence,  and  not 
the  cause,  of  disease.  Men,  horses,  dogs,  and  cattle  of  the  scrof- 
ulous diathesis,  are  known  to  have  what  may  be  termed  chronic 
enlargement  of  these  glands,  and  this  peculiarity  would  seem  to 
indicate  that  the  thyroid  glands  are  somewhat  associated  with  the 
lymphatic  system.  Then,  again,  we  find  these  glands  enlarged 
in  cases  of  throat  and  lung  difficulties — in  catarrh,  influenza,  dis- 
temper, etc. — so  that  their  extirpation  would  not  remove  the 
o/'iginal  difficulty.  In  such  cases  they  decrease  in  size  as  soon 
a*  the  original  malady  ceases.  The  enlargement  is  not  then  of 
a  permanent  character. 

Treatment. — Should  the  enlargement  appear  to  exist  independ- 
ent of  febrile  symptoms,  twenty-five  grains  of  the  iodide  of 
potassium  may  be  given  daily,  in  water  (which  the  patient  will 
not  refuse  to  drink),  and  a  small  portion  of  the  ointment  of 
iodide  of  potassium  may  be  rubbed  on  the  enlargement,  with 
decided  advantage: 

No.  16.  Iodide  of  potassium 1  part. 

Lard .    8  parts. 

Mix. 

On  the  Action  of  Iodine. — Iodine  and  its  compounds  are  the 
principal  agents  used  by  veterinary  surgeons  for  the  treatment  of 
glandular  affiictions,  and  they  supersede,  to  a  certain  extent,  the 
preparations  of  quicksilver,  in  the  form  of  mercury,  which  are 
apt  to  be  absorbed  into  the  system,  and  thus  produce  mischief. 

Morton,  in  his  "  Manual  of  Pharmacy,"  thus  alludes  to  iodine: 
•*The  action  of  iodine  and  its  compounds  is  markedly  seen  on 
glandular  structure,  and  newly-formed  and  abnormal  growths. 
For  the  latter  they  seem  to  manifest  a  decided  preference,  which 
renders  them  so  valuable  as  therapeutic  agents.  Their  influence 
Is  that  of  a  stimulant  to  the  absorbents;  and  by  means  of  these 


ir>6  DADl'i  VETERLXAUY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

vtjflsels,  wlien  those  agents  have  been  long  and  injucHciously  givea. 
it  ."s  recorded  that  the  mammae  of  women  and  the  testes  of  men 
have  ahuost  disappeared.  A  case  illustrative  of  the  effects  of 
iodine  on  the  glandular  system  was  related  by  Mr.  AVardle,  wht 
employs  this  agent  largely,  and  with  considerable  success,  lie 
had  been  for  some  weeks  exhibiting  the  iodide  of  potassium,  and 
also  applying  it  externally  to  a  bull  for  an  enlarged  parotid  gland. 
The  reduction  of  the  swelling  having  been  accomplished,  his  at- 
tention was  directed  to  the  testicles  of  his  patient,  which  had  be- 
come so  much  diminished  in  size;  and  it  was  also  found  that  the 
animal  had  no  desire  to  copulate.  Four  months  generous  feed, 
however,  effectually  restored  the  parts  to  their  pristine  state. 

In  chronic  enlargements  of  the  submaxillary,  parotid,  mam- 
mary, and  other  glands;  in  tumors  of  long  standing;  for  tliit-k- 
ening  of  the  integuments,  and  indurated  swellings  about  the  joiut<j, 
in  all  our  domestic  animals,  and  for  unhealthy  ulcerated  surfaces, 
the  use  of  iodine  and  its  compounds  is  indicated,  combining  both 
their  internal  and  external  employment.  The  latter  should  l»e 
accompanied  with  friction;  and  so  soon  as  soreness  is  induced,  the 
application  of  the  compound  must  be  suspended.  A  desquama- 
tion, or  scaling  off  of  the  cuticle,  or  skin,  usually  follows  this,  and 
a  reduction  of  the  swelling  will  soon  after  be  perceptible.  Unfor- 
tunately, it  is  too  often  the  case  that,  if  the  expectations  of  the 
practitioner  are  not  at  once  realized,  the  agf  nt  is  discarded  as  us«^ 
Jess  Now,  the  compounds  of  iodine  rank  a  Qong  those  substanoa 
whose  operation  is  slow,  but  which,  at  the  same  time,  constitute 
m  important  class,  as  their  effects  are  permanent." 

Influenza,  or  Epizootic  Cavarrii. 

Influenza  is  a  disease  of  a  catarrhal  character,  always  accompa- 
nied by  great  weakness  or  debility.  It  is  apt  t(  migrate  from  one 
tissue  to  another,  and  thus  produce  various  complications.  In  .-ta- 
bles that  are  badly  ventilated,  or  over-crowded  with  horses,  the 
malady  is  apt  to  make  sad  havoc,  and  assume  a  malignancy  ending 
in  typhoid  or  typhus  fever. 

In  some  cases  the  heart  or  lungs  become  congested,  and  thus 
theii  function  is  embarrassed.  The  blood  accumulates  carhon,  the 
heart  fails  to  propel,  and  the  lungs  to  vitalize  the  blood.  This 
state  demands  stim  ilants  of  a  character  that  shall  excite  v'tal  action. 


riSEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANB.         107 

And  tend  to  effect  chemical  changes  in  the  blood.  The  most  valu- 
able agent,  in  this  view,  is  carbonate  of  ammonia.  In  veterinary 
practice  this  agent  is  considered  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  diffu- 
sible stimulants.  It  acts  first  on  the  nerves  of  the  stomach,  and 
through  Ihem  excites  the  whole  nervous  system.  It  may  be  given 
in  doses  from  one  to  three  drachms,  eitlier  in  the  form  of  bolus  or 
drench.  Its  stimulating  influence  over  the  heart  and  nervous  sys- 
tem may  be  increased  by  the  addition  of  one  or  more  drachms  of 
good  Jamaica  ginger.  This  treatment  may  be  continued  until 
congestion  subsides,  which  may  be  known  by  the  fullness  of  pulse 
and  heat  of  the  external  surface  of  the  body,  and  by  other  symp- 
toms which  usually  attend  fever  in  its  inflammatory  stage. 

The  exciting  or  stimulating  plan  of  treatment  must  never  be 
entirely  abandoned.  To  husband  the  powers  of  the  system,  and 
thus  guard  against  subsequent  prostration,  must  be  our  chief  object. 
Although  the  case  may  require  a  sedative  to-day,  in  the  form  of 
two  or  three  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  gclseminum,  yet,  in  the 
course  of  a  very  few  hours,  the  prostration  becomes  so  apparent  that 
we  are  again  compelled  to  exhibit  life-sustaining  agents.  Excit- 
ants, or  counter-excitants,  are  also,  at  times,  needed  externally. 
If  the  ])atient  has  a  deep-seated  cough,  strong  liniment,  composed 
oi'  oil  oi"  hartshorn  (and  sometimes  oil  of  camphor),  must  be  applied. 
Often  I  anoint  the  parts  with  a  thick  paste,  composed  of  mustard 
and  vinegar.  The  membranes  of  the  fauces  (throat)  are  exces- 
sively sore ;  then  the  same  course  has  to  be  pursued.  At  the  same 
time,  a  mucilaginous  drink,  composed  of  flaxseed  sweetened  with 
honey,  must  be  allowed.  The  nervous  system  must  also  be  aroused 
by  the  a^jplication  of  the  above  liniment  to  the  spinal  column 
At  another  stage  of  the  malady,  diaphoresis  (inci'cased  perspiration) 
must  be  excited  by  clothing  the  body  with  flannel,  and  drenching 
with  a  preparation  known  as  solution  of  acetate  of  aininonia,  t( 
the  amount  of  six  or  eight  ounces  per  day,  until  the  skin  feels  sof. 
and  warm.  In  case  sedenia  (local  dropsy)  of  the  body  or  extrcnii 
ties  sets  in,  the  patient  then  requires  diuretics.  One  or  two  ounces 
of  sweet  spirits  of  niter,  or  two  ounces  fluid  extract  of  buchu,  may 
be  given  in  linseed  tea,  until  the  kidneys  respond,  and  the  secretion 
of  urine  becomes  aucrmented.  The  bowels  are  sometimes  inactive, 
but  that  inactivity  may  be  corrected  by  adding  to  a  bran-mash 
from  foMr  to  six  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  mandrake.  Occa- 
«ioD>"       le  patient  becomes  uneasy,  paws  with  his  fore-feet,  and 


lOfe  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SUKGEKF. 

evinces  signs  of  abdominal  pain.  In  that  event,  he  should  havt 
two  or  three  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  Indian  hemp.  These 
latter  symptoms  indicate  danger,  showing  that  the  bowels  are 
congested,  and  the  result  may  be  mortification  of  the  ?ame. 

The  following  case,  occurring  in  the  author's  practice,  goes  to 
show  that  influenza  may  sometimes  be  followed  by  an  acute  disease 
of  the  brain,  pleurisy,  etc. :  The  patient  was  a  bay  gelding,  aged 
about  eight  years.  The  groom  informed  me  that  the  disease  was 
ushered  in  by  a  shivering  fit.  Soon  a  discharge  from  both  nos- 
trils ensued.  The  throat  became  sore;  cough  and  laborious 
respiration  followed,  and  the  animal  became  so  weak  that  it  was 
almost  impossible  to  back  him  out  of  the  stall.  He  ate  but  little, 
and  in  the  act  of  drinking,  the  water  returned  through  his  nos- 
trils. The  treatment  was  commenced  in  the  usual  manner,  by 
administering  tonics  and  stimulants,  which  seemed  to  have  a  good 
effect  on  him.  He  also  received  enemas  of  soap-suds,  yet,  not- 
withstanding, symptoms  of  pleurisy  supervened.  He  appeared  to 
suffer  much  pain,  and  was  very  unwilling  to  have  the  region  of 
the  chest  explored.  The  least  pressure  on  the  region  of  the  inter- 
costal spaces  would  cause  him  to  grunt  or  groan  with  pain.  The 
pulse  was  active  and  wiry,  and  the  visible  surfaces  were  much 
reddened.  I  administered  a  full  dose  of  powdered  niter,  and 
twenty  drops  of  aconite;  and  fearing  effusion  into  the  chest,  I 
plastered  the  walls  of  the  same  with  hot  vinegar  and  mustard. 
The  latter  made  the  patient  very  uneasy,  and  he  cut  up  all  kinds 
of  capers.  In  the  course  of  a  few  hours  I  repeated  the  dose,  and 
left  the  patient  for  the  night.  Next  morning  I  again  visited  him, 
and  was  informed  that  he  had  made  several  attempts  to  get  up  in 
tlir;  manger.  I  noticed  that  his  head  was  elevated,  and  the  eyeg 
tiery  red.  He  acted  wildly  and  showed  decided  symptoms  of 
phrenzy.  On  attempting  to  administer  a  sedative,  the  animal 
went  into  convulsions,  and  I  was  compelled  to  make  my  escape 
from  the  stall  as  quick  as  possible.  He  soon  got  his  fc  re-feet  over 
the  tops  of  an  adjoining  stall,  five  feet  in  height,  renrained  there 
for  a  short  time,  when  he  scrambled  over  and  fell  like  a  log  right 
into  the  next  stall.  I  never  expected  to  see  him  rise  again ;  but 
after  a  few  minutes,  with  some  assistance,  he  got  up.  I  gave  him 
twenty  drops  of  aconite.  During  this  day  the  frantic  animal 
went  over  a  stall  twice  in  succession,  and  fell  very  heavily  each 
time  on  his  back,  yet  did  not  appear  to  have  suffered  any  mjury 


Ul&EASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.        109 

Most  of  the  time  he  appeared  frantic,  yet  uncDnscious ;  and  just 
before  going  into  a  convulsive  fit,  he  would  stamp  with  his  fore- 
feet, continuously  toss  up  his  head,  his  neck  being  the  seat  of 
spasmodic  twistings.  Next  da}  the  symptoms  had  not  altered 
much,  and,  during  my  examination,  he  pulled  back,  broke  a  por- 
tion of  his  manger  to  which  he  was  tied,  and  fell  head  over  heels 
<)n  the  floor.  During  the  forenoon  he  became  more  calm,  and  la^ 
^E  the  floor,  yet  would  occasionally  jerk  his  head  backward,  and 
have  slight  convulsions.  I  continued  the  prostrating  plan  of 
treatment,  only  exhibiting  smaller  doses,  and  soon  the  patient  began 
to  improve.  The  membranes  of  the  eyes,  mouth,  and  nostrils  as- 
sumed a  more  natural  appearance;  then  the  plan  of  treatment  was 
altered,  and  the  patient  received  tonics  and  stimulants,  which  soon 
resulted  in  convalescence. 

Among  all  the  cases  that  have  come  under  my  care  and  observa- 
tion, I  have  neither  found  it  advisable  nor  necessary  to  practice 
the  antiphlogistic  treatment,  in  so  far  as  it  relates  to  bleeding  and 
purging;  and  I  can  not  conceive  a  case,  so  depressing  as  influenza 
is  known  to  be,  that  would  require  any  such  heroic  treatment. 
The  safety  of  our  patient  depends  on  the  judicious  application  of 
remedies  such  as  are  here  named,  and,  therefore,  I  would  warn  the 
farmer  asi;ainst  the  use  of  fleam  and  cathartic  in  the  treatment  of 
influenza.  Yet,  after  all,  the  best  treatment  may  fail  in  restoring 
9  patient.  We  require  aid  in  the  form  of  pure  air,  suitable  diet, 
?nd  good  nursing.  Failing  in  the  latter  important  adjuncts,  our 
M'catment  avails  but  little. 

Influenza  is  a  disease  accompanied  by  a  discharge  from  the  res- 
piratory, conjunctival,  and  schneiderian  membranes;  and  the 
organs  of  respiration  themselves  are  more  or  less  involved,  as 
shown  by  cough  and  soreness  of  the  throat,  lassitude,  fever,  thirst, 
and  loss  of  appetite.  Now,  if  the  term  influenza  means  any  thing, 
it  signifies  epidemic  catarrh,  and  the  cases  alluded  to  were  not  cf 
Lhis  character,  but  quite  diverse,  indicating  a  low  congestive  state. 
Still,  the  majority  of  cases  that  we  have  seen  do  appear  to  be  noth- 
ing more  nor  less  than  influenza;  but  if  the  above  diseases  appear 
simultaneous  with  the  latter,  there  is  danger  of  persons  making 
great  mistakes  in  the  treatment,  for  it  is  very  apt  to  run  intc 
typhoid  fever. 


110  DADD'S  VETEllINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


Typhus  ob  Typhoid  Affections. 

Ti»e  veterinary  surgeons  of  England  have  hithe*  >  maiutaixk,d 
II  remarkable  silence  on  the  subject  of  typhoid  affiections  occurring 
among  horses;  and  so  late  as  the  year  1850,  Mr.  Percivall,  in- 
forms the  world,  through  the  pages  of  the  •  Veterinarian,"  that  in 
London  veiy  little  is  known  about  such  uiocase.  In  view,  there- 
fore, of  lighting  up  the  dark  spots  that  exist  in  our  department  on 
this  side  of  the  water,  we  furnish  a  translation  from  the  French,  by 
Mr.  Percivall.  The  article  is  a  selection  from  a  prize  memoir 
written  by  a  distinguished  surgeon.  It  is  preceded,  as  the  reader 
will  perceive,  by  a  review  from  the  pen  of  the  translator,  who 
says: 

"  In  the  '  Collection  of  Memoirs  and  Observations  on  (French) 
Military  Veterinarian  Hygiene  and  Medicine,'  which  we  have  ^o 
lately  been  engaged  in  examining,  are  contained  two  prii:e 
memoirs — one  on  Farcy,  the  other  on  Typhoid  Affections 
in  htrses.*  On  the  latter  of  these  we  would  make  a  few  remarks, 
if  it  were  only  for  the  reason  of  showing  what  is  meant  to  be  un- 
derstood by  such  imposing  titles.  Typhus  i*nd  typhoid  are  wordit 
but  rarely  heard  in  our  own  country  in  connection  with  veterinary, 
or  at  least  with  hippiatric,  medicine.  Our  old  writers  on  farriery 
described  fevers  in  horses  as  very  destructive  in  their  character 
requiring  antiphlogistic  treatment : 

^^^  Typhus  Fever. — A  disease  touching  which  we  (the  author)  ar« 
in  possession  of  but  few  observations,  and  one  that  has  been,  and 
still  is,  in  our  opinion,  mistaken  for  and  confounded  with  either 
enteritis  cr  gastro-enteritis — in  cases,  for  example,  in  which  its 
consequences  are  of  little  importance — though,  perhaps,  with  pu- 
trid fever,  when,  on  the  other  hand,  malignant  and  exhibiting 
extraordinary  violence,  its  progress  is  rapid  and  its  termination 
fatal.  In  its  most  benignant  form,  typhus  fever,  indeed,  bears  sc 
great  a  resemblance  to  pure  inflammation  of  the  primary  intestinal 
passages,  that  it  is  often  difficult,  very  difficult,  even  to  distinguish 
them.  As  for  the  cause  which  occasions  it  to  be  confounded  with 
putrid  fever,  it  is  no  matter  of  astonishment  to  us,  since,  in  our 
opinion,  one  fever  possesses,  in  many  respects,  so  great  an  analogy 


•  The  reader  will  find  an  article  on  Typhus  Fever,  but  in  an  enzootic  form,  in 
"The  Veterinarian,"  vol.  xxii,  p.  462. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.    Ill 

^ritli  the  other ;  while  typhus  itself,  through  causes  which  remain 
latent  up  to  the  present  hour,  is,  like  the  gastro-enteritis  of  l.')25, 
dangerous,  fatal,  and  epizootic.  In  general,  typhus  fever  begins 
without  any  warning,  though  there  are  times  in  which  its  ap- 
proach is  marked  l)y  dullness  and  weakness,  and  a  manifestation 
of  being  easily  fatigued,  sweating  through  little  exertion,  etc., 
with  loss  of  appetite. 

Of  the  first  stage,  the  most  remarkable  symptoms  are  either  a 
/ellow  redness  of  the  pituitary  membrane,  or  a  dryness  or  a  dis- 
charge of  viscous  matter,  which  adheres  in  thick  incrustations 
around  the  alse  of  the  nostrils,  with,  occasionally,  an  appearance 
of  drops  of  blood.  The  nostrils  are  more  or  less  dilated,  the  res- 
piration more  or  less  frequent,  according  to  the  sharpness  of  the 
abdominal  pains,  or  the  existence  of  a  lamentable  complication  of 
thoracic  with  abdominal  disease.  The  ear  applied  to  the  wind- 
pipe or  to  the  walls  of  the  thorax,  almost  always  detects  a  well- 
marked  mucous  rale;  also  there  is  cough,  with  full,  strong,  and 
frequent  pulse. 

In  the  second  stage,  the  mouth  becomes  dry,  and  sometimes  dis- 
plays aphthae  or  cracks  of  some  depth.  The  tongue  is  red  about 
its  point  and  along  its  sides,  but  its  middle  and  base  are  of  a  deep 
yellow  tint.  The  breath  is  tainted.  When  abdominal  symptoms 
are  present,  which  is  not  always  the  case,  they  are  sufficiently 
well  marked.  The  dung  is  either  very  hard,  or  it  is,  more  com- 
monly, liquid;  sometimes  it  is  bloody,  and  issues  a  fetid  odor,  the 
debility  frequently  being  such  at  this  period  as  to  cause  constant 
opening  of  the  anus.  The  pituitary  membrane  is  dry,  and  covered 
with  bloody  points.  The  conjunctival  membrane  is  reddened  and 
infiltrated,  and,  like  the  pituitary,  presents  petechial  ])atches. 
The  pulse  has  not  its  force  and  fullness,  etc.  Some  veterinarians 
have  remarked,  at  this  period,  upon  the  insides  of  the  thighs  those 
little  vesicles  to  which  the  name  of  sudamina  has  been  given. 
Uriub  seamy,  possessing  a  remarkable  fetor,  and  voided  occasion- 
ally with  great  pain;  great  dejection,  and  occasional  stupor,  and, 
ordinarily,  at  this  period  it  is  that  the  ataxic  or  adynamic  symp- 
toms set  in. 

In  the  third  stage,  the  parotids  tumefy  and  ulcerate.  Any  setona 
01  roweis  that  may  have  been  introduced,  or  blisters,  become  so 
many  causes  of  mortification  of  the  parts  in  which  they  have  been 
jppliol.     And  now  the  mouth  becomes  quite  dried  up;  the  tongue 


112  DADDS  VETER.NARr  MEDICINE  AND  SUBGERY. 

acquires  a  horny  feel,  and  turns  brown;  the  gums  and  teeth  art 
covered  with  a  dingy  slime.  Bleeding  from  the  nose,  which  mostly 
appears  during  the  inflammatory  stage,  now  returns.  The  pulse 
becomes  irregular  and  more  feeble;  oedema,  sometimes  consider- 
able, of  the  extremities ;  great  debility.  The  temperature  of  the 
body  sinks.  The  neck,  belly,  flanks,  axilla,  and  groins  become 
covered  with  cold  and  clammy  sweats;  the  tympanitis  increases, 
the  evacuations  being  bloody  and  fetid  to  a  remarkable  degree. 
The  animal,  continually  in  pain,  exhibits  symptoms  of  colic,  often 
seeking  to  lie  down ;  but  if  he  docs,  he  soon  rises  again.  Respi- 
ration greatly  accelerated ;  nostrils  widely  dilated ;  pulsations  of 
the  heart  tumultuous.  At  length,  beginning  to  stagger,  he  falls, 
either  to  die  an  easy  death  or  to  expire  amid  agonizing  convulsions. 
"When,  however,  recovery  in  place  of  death  follow^,  such  symp- 
toms as  we  have  last  detailed  do  not  occur,  or  with  only  modified 
force  and  character.  When  blood  has  been  drawn  for  experiment, 
under  such  circumstances,  at  a  time  when  adynamic  and  biliary 
eymptoms  ])revailed,  it  has  been  found  to  contain  but  little  hema- 
tosine,  but,  on  the  contrary,  a  large  proportion  of  serum,  of  a  light 
greenish  hue.  The  disease  may  last  from  four,  seven,  or  eight  tc 
thirty  days.  Relapse  is  extremely  likely,  e\  en  under  every  pros- 
pect of  convalescence,  unless  great  care  be  taken.  The  diagnosis 
at  the  commencement  is  difficult,  even  impossible,  when  the  char- 
acteristic sym})toms  are  but  scantily  and  imperfectly  developed. 

The  affections  whose  symptoms  most  resemble  those  of  the  dis- 
ease before  us  are  plegmasia  of  the  intestinal  tube,  and  particular 
of  the  brain.  Should  sudamina  be  detected,  they  are,  as  iu  human 
medicine,  to  be  regarded  as  definitely  characteristic  of  typhoid 
fevei.  Prognosis,  for  the  most  part,  unfavorable;  aud  the  more 
80  accordiiig  as  the  nervous  accompaniments  are  more  numerous, 
more  violent,  and  more  early  in  showing  themselves;  the  stupor 
great,  the  strength  failing  more,  the  pulse  faltering,  the  diarrhea 
greater,  more  bloody,  fetid,  etc. 

Our  etiology  is  all  at  fault.  In  truth,  we  know  not  the  deter- 
mining cause  of  typhus.  The  post-mortem  states  are  by  no  means 
agreed  upon  by  those  who  have  reported  them.  Most  agree  that 
the  digestive  canal  exhibits  the  most  constant  and  marked  symp- 
toms of  disorder.  The  mouth  presents  marks  of  inflammation, 
and,  on  occasions,  aphthae  or  ulceraiions,  though  commonly  too  su- 
perficial to  destroy  the  living  membrane.     The  pharynx  2omelime« 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  OnOANS    113 

ihe  same  as  the  mouth ;  at  others,  nothing.  The  stomach  is  fre- 
quently the  seat  of  inflammation  of  a  marked  character.  Tlw 
intestines  also  reddened,  to  more  or  less  extent.  The  cavity  of 
the  peritoneum,  containing  a  citron-colored  fluid,  reddened,  per- 
haps, the  omentum  being  at  times  almost  entirely  destroyed.  A 
liquid  matter — a  sort  of  bloody  corruption  of  more  or  less  consist- 
ence— is  often  found  within  the  cavities  of  the  small  guts ;  and  in 
those  of  the  large,  the  csecum  and  colon  in  particular,  are  some- 
umes  to  be  remarked  red  and  black  spots,  or  ecchymoses,  buds  of 
Bmaller  or  larger  size  {glandes  de  Bi-uner)  indistinctly  planted  over 
the  mucous  surface. 

MalignaTd  or  Putrid  Typhus — {Typhis  Charhonneaux.) — These 
malignant  and  putrid  affections,  either  constitutional,  or,  in  some 
instances,  but  local  in  their  origin,  ever  of  a  highly  acute  nature 
and  of  unequaled  rapidity  of  progress,  since  not  unfrequently  they 
cause  death  in  a  few  hours,  are  of  more  consequence  for  us  to  be- 
come acquainted  with,  as  they  are  not  only  susceptible  of  being 
communicated  from  one  animal  to  another,  but  even  from  animal 
to  man,  in  whom,  losing  none  of  their  malignity,  they  are  likewise 
most  commonly  mortal.  Frequently  sporadic,  sometimes  epizootic, 
but  most  commonly  enzootic,  these  diseases  at  times  assume  so  re- 
doubtable a  form  that  nothing  can  arrest  their  progress.  Invading 
farms  or  other  extensive  localities;  they  produce  therein  tcrrifio 
ravages;  for,  being  susceptible  under  various  forms,  almost  equally 
fatal  one  with  another,  of  prostrating  a  vast  number  of  animals  of 
the  same  or  different  species,  these  affections  determine,  under  vary- 
ing circumstances,  losses  which,  on  occasions,  desolate  and  com- 
pletely ruin  the  countr}'  where  they  have  broken  out. 

Sudi  are  the  two  especial  forms  of  typhus  fever  which  have 
been  observed  aciong  horse-kind — one  of  which  would  seem  to 
occur  at  times  in  practice  without  being  sufficiently  heeded  or  re- 
cognized by  veterinary  surgeons  in  this  countrj',  while  the  other 
may  be  said  to  comprehend  those  malignant  epidemics  by  which 
our  cattle,  if  not  our  horses,  have,  of  late  years,  been  too  fearfully 
Tisited.'" 

In  the  treatment  of  typhoid  affections,  we  endeavor  to  give  tono 
to  the  system  by  furnishing  nutritious  diet,  tonic,  and  stimulating 
medicines.  Ginger  and  golden  seal,  with  a  small  portion  of  hy- 
[wsulphite  of  soda,  are  the  best  remedies. 


114  DADDS  A'ETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

PI 


PLAN  OF  A  VAPOR  BATR  USED  IN  THE  TREATMENT  OF  LfNG  AFFECTIONS. 

Explanation.— «,  represents  a  boiler  c-iginally  erected  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  infirmarf 
with  hot  water;  c,  is  the  nii»in  pipe  issuing  from  tlie  top  of  the  boiler  receiving  the  steatu,  and 
conducting  it,  when  not  rrquired  for  other  purposes,  into  cither  a  flue  or  the  open  air  at  h;  e 
and  /  are  branch  pipes  from  the  main  one  (c),  J  being  that  which  conducts  the  steam  into  a 
worm  (/j),  winding  through  a  condensing  trougli  (g\-  e.  the  branch  pipe  which  conducts  the 
steam  (prevented  by  stop-cock  from  going  in  the  other  direction  '  into  the  bath,  the  place  of 
admission  (n)  being  on  one  side,  close  to  tlie  floor  at  a  point  intermediate  between  the  horse's 
fore  and  hind  feet  while  standing  in  the  bath  witlx  his  head  outside"  m  i«  the  bath,  being  a 
horse-box,  such  as  Is  used  for  embarking  liorses  on  board  of  ship  with  the  addition  of  a  linirg 
of  flannel,  a  rr.ofiug  of  hoops  and  tilting,  and  curtains  over  the  doors,  front  and  back,  to  pre- 
vent the  escape  of  steam.  The  box,  being  placed  upon  wheels,  serves,  besiiles  being  used  as  a 
bath,  for  tho  transport  of  sick  or  lame  horses  ;  and,  having  doors  at  both  ends,  and  a  ino-v>able 
platform  fr  /  the  horse  to  walk  in  upon,  is,  in  general,  entered  without  any  great  deal  ot  uuwill' 
ingness. 


f.-TEUMONiA  (Inflammation  op  the  Lungs). 

InH^Liimation  of  the  lungs,  known  to  veterinarians  as  pueu- 
monia,  is  not  apt  to  be  so  prevalent  among  horned  creatures  aa 
Bmoug  horses,  except,  however  milch  cows,  when  they  are  located 
in  tllthy,  unventilated  milking  establishments.  In  such  places 
diseases  of  the  lungs  are  often  fearfully  prevalent,  raging  as  an 
epizootic,  as  it  did  a  few  years  ago  in  the  swill-milk  establish- 
ments of  New  York.  It  makes  sad  havoc  when  prevalent  among 
a  large  herd  that  may  be  confined  in  a  barn  or  stable  of  con- 
tractsd  proportions.  All  domestic  animals  require  plenty  of 
room,  as  well  as  light  and  pure  air;  for  it  is  now  pretty  ciearly 
demonstrated  that  the  pleuro-pneumonia,  which  appeared  in 
Massachusetts,  in  1860,  on  the  premises  of  Mr.  Chenery,  arose 
there  spontaneously.  His  barn,  or  rather  the  basement,  where 
the  cattle  lived,  was  a  room  fifty  feet  square  and  only  eight 
feet  in  height.     The  walls  on  the  north,  and  a  portion  of  tb« 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.         116 

east  and  west  sides,  were  composed  of  brick,  and  the  remainder 
of  boards,  with  joints  battened.  On  the  south,  east,  and  west 
stdes  were  glass  windows ;  on  the  north  side  a  door  opened  into 
the  vegetable  cellar,  and  on  the  roof  there  was  a  sky-light.  A 
stairway  led  to  the  hay-loft  above,  another  to  the  manure  cellar 
below,  both  elos'^d  by  doors.  The  manure  cellar  was  eight  feet 
deep,  and  extended  under  the  whole  room.  In  the  winter  anci 
spring  of  1859  were  confined  forty  head  of  cattle,  arranged  on 
jhree  sides,  with  their  heads  toward  the  center;  and  within  that 
center  was  another  square,  containing  animals,  so  arranged  thai 
almost  all  were  brought  face  to  face.  The  manure  cellar,  about 
this  time,  contained  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  cords  of  manure, 
with  from  ten  to  twenty  hogs  in  it.  "  This,"  says  Mr.  Ciienery, 
"  was  my  condition  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1860.  I  had 
buried  nearly  half  of  my  herd.  I  had  experimentally  acquired 
a  knowledge  of  the  fact  that,  in  order  to  kee])  animals  alive  and 
in  health,  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  they  should  be  supplied 
with  pure  air  as  well  as  with  good  food  and  pure  water." 
■  So  far  as  the  direct  or  indirect  causes  of  pneumonia  are  con- 
ct;rn?d,  we  may  safely  infer  that  crowding  and  a  bad  system  of 
ventilation  includes  them  all.  Yet,  among  horses,  this  disease 
often  originates  as  the  consequence  of  laborious  work  and  feata 
'^f  speed,  which  produces  rapid  and  sometimes  distressing  respira- 
tions ;  but  among  cattle,  whose  powers  of  speed  and  endurance 
are  not  often  put  to  the  test,  and  whose  natural  respirations  are 
glower,  we  infer  that  impure  air,  and  perhaps  exposure,  too,  are 
DiOre  operative  than  action  or  ill-usage. 

The  stimulating  and  morbid  action  of  an  impure  atmosphere 
may  produce  a  disease  of  this  character  by  its  irritiiting  effects  on 
the  highly  vascular  membrane  which  lines  the  bronchi  and  air- 
cells.  But  then  we  all  know  that  impure  air  fails  to  decarbonize 
the  blood  ;  hence  it  is  rendered  unfit  to  enter  the  system.  It  ha.s 
been  noticed,  however,  by  the  drovers  of  the  East,  that  when  cat- 
tle have  been  driven  a  long  distance  without  food,  and  in  tem- 
pestuous weather,  they  are  apt  to  become  the  subjects  of  diseasefJ 
lungs.  Fortunately  for  the  poor  brute,  pneumonia  is  not  so  pain- 
fid  as  lironchitis,  j)leurisy,  or  lapy'ngitis ;  and  having  passed  through 
the  acute  stage,  which  is  usually  brief,  it  assumes  a  mild  or  sub- 
acute form,  and  ends  in  altered  structure  of  the  lungs,  known  aa 
induration  (hardening)  or  hejwtization  (liver-like"),  or  it  may  end 


116  DADD'«  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERl. 

in  pleurisy,  and  ultimately  dropsy  of  tlie  chest.  I  should  judgt 
that  cattle,  when  the  subjects  of  pneumonia,  suffer  less  tian  horses, 
from  the  fact  that  the  former  will  lie  down  during  the  \  rogress  of 
the  disease,  and  the  horse  is  scarcely,  if  ever,  known  to  do  so  until 
shortly  before  he  dies.  In  the  horse,  this  malady  occasionally 
takes  a  metastatic  turn ;  that  is,  the  disease  is  translated  to  the  feel 
or  brain,  producing  an  affection  of  a  very  formidable  and  acute 
character.     Among  cattle,  however,  such  translation  is  very  rare. 

Forms  of  Pneumonia. — Pneumonia  is  divided  into  several  stages 
and  forms,  but  as  such  refer  more  to  its  degree  or  intensity,  I  shall 
only  inform  the  reader  that  pneumonia  may  exist  either  as  a  con- 
dition of  congestion  or  of  inflammation.  Congestion  signifies  a 
distended  or  plethoric  state  of  the  blood-vessels  of  the  substantse 
of  the  lungs,  and  slow  motion  of  the  blood ;  and  it  sometim(« 
sets  in  as  suddenly  as  that  form  which  is  termed  inflammatory  ; 
among  cattle  the  former  form  is  more  prevalent.  In  the  conges- 
tive stage  the  symptoms  are  those  of  embarrassment — the  blood 
courses  through  its  vessels  sluggishly,  and  there  is  not  that  activKy 
of  the  heart  and  lungs  which  is  noticed  in  inflammatory  pneic- 
monia. 

Symptoms  of  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. — There  are  many  symj*- 
toms  attending  lung  disease  which  are  common  to  various  other 
forms  or  affections.  These  must  be  inferred ;  for,  by  detailing 
them,  I  might  only  confound  the  non-medical  reader,  and  rend(.r 
the  diagnosis  difficult,  and,  perhaps,  impossible.  The  symptoms, 
in  the  early  stages,  are  such  as  are  usually  observed  at  the  con.- 
mencement  of  febrile  diseases,  viz. :  coldness  of  the  extrcmitie  i, 
and  slight  shivering  fits;  loss  of  appetite;  labored  respiration: 
pulse  variable,  and  the  mouth  hot  and  clammy;  the  animal  lieaves 
at  the  flanks,  is  rather  unwilling  to  move,  and  the  fore-legs  are 
widely  separated,  while  the  head  is  held  in  a  drooping  position. 
Ah  the  disease  progresses,  these  symptoms  vary  more  or  less,  and 
the  appearance  of  the  membranes  of  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes 
may  vary  from  the  color  of  bright  scarlet  to  that  of  a  leaden  hue. 
In  congestive  pneumonia,  the  pulse  is  more  voluminous,  yet  leas 
active,  than  in  health,  or  in  acute  disease.  A  cough,  slight  or 
active,  as  the  case  may  be,  is  usually  noticed  ;  it  is  a  sort  of  deep- 
seated,  half-suppressed  one,  and  sometimes  it  is  the  first  symptom 
which  calls  the  owner's  attention  to  the  ailing  animal. 

Treatment. — It  is  important,  at  the  commencement  of  the  treat* 


D1HEA8ES  OF  RESFIKATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.         117 

ment,  that  the  patient  shall  be  placed  in  a  comfortable  shed  or 
barn,  where  pure  air  abounds;  for,  under  such  circumn-tances, 
f,he  cooperation  of  Nature  in  the  cure  of  the  malady  is  secured. 
Should  the  disease  be  of  an  acute  character,  it  will  be  accom- 
panied by  quick  or  lal)ored  respiration,  and  a  strong,  wiry  pulse. 
In  tliat  event,  I  should  give  two  drachms  of  the  tincture  of  gel- 
fieminum.     The  brisket  ami  sides  of  the  chest  are  to  be  rubbrd 
occasionallv  with  nmstard  and  vinegar.     This  acts  as  a  counter- 
irritant,  and  diverts  tlie  blood  from  the  lungs  to  the  surface.      It 
wa:  customary,  in  former  years,  to  bleed  and  purge  almost  all 
animals  when  attacked  with  acute  pneumonia ;  but  as  the  mor- 
tality was  then  very  great,  and  less  under  a  more  rational  sys- 
tem, we  are  led  to  believe  that  bad  treatment  was  the  cause  of 
our  want  of  success.     Two  or  three  doses  of  gelseminum,  given 
at  intervals  of  six  or  eight  hours,  will,  together  with  the  ehip.sed 
time,  have  a  tendency  to  modify  the  affection.     Then  active  medi- 
cation is  to  be  suspended,  and  we  immediately  give  life-sustaining 
agents,  which  consist  of  pure  air,  water,  proper  food,  tonics,  and 
stimulants.      The  best  tonics  and   stimulants   that  I  know  of 
are  powdered  golden  seal  and  ginger,  e([ual   parts.     Dose,  half 
an  ounce  night  and  morning,  as  a  drench;  or  two  ounces,  night 
and  morning,  of  the  fluid  extract  of  resin  weed  may  be  substituted. 
The  animal  should  have  one  ounce  of  powdered  chlorate  of  i)otasa 
c^ery  twelve  hours,  until  it  is  evident  that  convalescence  is  ap- 
proacfiing,  or  has  actually  set  in,  when  it  may  be  discontinued. 
The  best  way  to  administer  the  chlorate  of  potass,  is  to  dissolve  it 
in  a  few  quarts  of  lin.seed  tea,  or  an  infusion  of  slippery  ilrn, 
which  .should  be  kept  in  a  bucket  before  the  animal  until  he  has 
partaken  of  the  whole  of  it.     The  chlorate  of  potass  is  also  indi- 
cated as  a  valuable  agent  in  the  treatment  of  all  lung  afll^ctiou.s, 
including  pleuro-pneumonia  and  pleurisy ;  its  use  is  to  be  di-r-on 
tinned,  however,  when  the  urinary  secretion  becomes  much  aug- 
mented, or  it  may  overwork  the  kidneys.     Chlorate  of  po(i<s  acte 
as  a  sedative  to  the  nervous  sy.stem  and  to  the  circulation,  and  i-  a 
gtirr.nlant  to  the  digestive  organs  and  kidneys.     For  all  cases  of 
congestive  pneumonia,  or  wdieu  the  surface  of  the  body  ii  cold,  ;i» 
well  as  the  lln^Ds  and  ears,  warm  stimuhuits  are  indicatfd — ginger 
and  golden  seal ;  and,  if  possible,  the  body  and  limbs  should  bo 
clothed,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  natural  heat  of  the  .skin, 
and  of  producing  an  equilibrium  of  the  circulation;  for  wuei/  an 


118  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERf. 

equilibrium  in  the  circulation  of  the  blood  is  secured,  thon  ooa 
gestiou  ceases  to  exist. 

I  would  caution  my  readers  not  to  place  too  much  rtlianoe  in 
art  and  medicine  for  the  cure  of  disease.  The  physician  does 
much  good  when  be  practices  rationally — constitutes  himself  the 
servant  of  Nature,  does  her  bidding,  and  does  the  system  no  harm 
in  the  use  af  poisons  and  meddlesome  medication.  In  t.ie  treat- 
ment of  many  forms  of  curable  disease  it  is  often  i  question  cf 
time;  they  will  "have  their  run."  Hence,  what  /ve  most  need 
is  patience,  great  faith  in  Nature,  and  a  moderate  degree  of  faith 
in  drugs.  The  great  trouble  is,  our  instruction  derived  from  text- 
books and  veterinary  institutions  of  learning  tends  to  develop 
heroic  notions  of  medicine  and  its  powers,  and  to  depress  those 
more  potent  remedies,  the  vitalizing  and  reanimating  forces  of 
Nature.  A  case  of  heroism  of  this  kind,  as  an  example,  I  must 
now  relate,  in  order  to  illustrate  my  position : 

Mr.  S ,  of  Chicago,  bought  of  Mr.  P a  fine,  promising 

young  gelding,  aged  about  eight  years.  The  purchaser  had  used 
him  during  a  period  of  five  weeks  with  perfect  satisfaction.  Sud- 
denly the  newly-purchased  animal  became  sick,  and  the  services 
of  a  noted  blacksmith  were  secured.  The  man  of"  tongs  and  ham- 
mer," realizing  that  the  patient  was  the  subject  of  the  prevailing 
influenza,  gave  the  patient  "  fits,"  in  the  form  of  the  administra- 
tion of  a  physic  ball.  He  then  abstracted  two  gallons  of  blood. 
The  horse  grew  no  better  very  last.  In  consequence,  he  got  more 
medicine.  Purgation  set  in,  which  continued  for  twenty-four 
hours,  when  the  horse  died.  The  lives  of  many  valuable  animals 
are  thus  sacrificed.  Finally,  those  men  generally  become  the  most 
distinguished  who  soonest  emancipate  themselves  from  the  tlieory 
of  the  heroic  schools  cf  medicine. 

The  plan  of  treatment  here  recommended  may  appear  to  some 
of  our  readers  as  very  simple.  That  is  just  what  we  claim  for  it. 
It  is  the  simplicity  of  the  practice  which  makes  it  really  valuable, 
because  such  a  system  harmonizes  with  the  law  of  Nature,  and  does 
not  opjiose  her  forces,  which  are  always  operating  physiologically 
for  the  restoration  of  the  sick  and  infirm ;  and  it  is  our  business, 
as  rational  physicians,  to  aid  Nature  in  all  possible  ways.  This 
ig  the  kind  of  knowledge  that  we  require — how  to  aid  Nature,  or 
give  her  the  required  assistance;  and,  in  view  of  obtaining  that 
inffirmation.  we  must  read  the  great  book  of  Nature,  as  its  leave* 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES  AND  ORGANS.         119 

ai-e  unfolded  to  us  in  the  various  departments  of  her  great  domain. 
We  must  altogether  abandon  a  blind  faith  in  doses  of  poisonous 
*nedicines  and  bleedings;  otherwise,  all  our  efforts  are  as  but  a 
withering  simoom.  For  example,  over  seventy  thousand  head  of 
cattle  have  lately  perished  of  what  has  been  called  the  "  rinder- 
pest," in  and  around  the  great  city  of  London,  which  is  claimed 
to  be  the  model  seat  of  veterinary  learning  for  all  British  sub- 
jects It  is  probable  that  the  heroic  practice  there  taught  has 
something  to  do  with  this  tremendous  mortality;  for  we  learn 
that  a  more  simple  plan  of  treatment  has  been  inaugurated  bj 
another  class  of  physicians,  whose  medicines  are  almost  inert,  anc* 
they  have  been  more  successful  than  the  advocates  of  setons,  blia 
ters,  sedatives,  and  narcotics,  not  forgetting  their  "  sheet-anchor," 
calomel — as  Napoleon  observed,  in  derision,  when  on  the  islam 
of  St.  Helena,  "  Bleeding  and  calomel  for  ever ! "  Simple,  sana- 
tive medicines  act  potently,  yet  silently,  after  the  fashion  of 
Nature's  workings ;  so  that  we  should  never  attempt  to  force  hvi 
to  adopt  o'T  system  of  cure  for  that  of  her  own. 

Pleueisy. 

Pleurisy  signifies  inflammation  of  the  pleura.  This  membrane 
lines  the  internal  surface  of  the  chest,  and  furnishes  a  covering 
to  the  organs  within  the  chest.  It  also  serves  to  divide  the 
chest  into  two  cavities,  which  are  known  as  the  right  and  left. 
This  membrane  is  similar  in  its  texture  and  function  to  that 
which  lines  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen.  Both  are  serous  mem- 
branes, secreting,  on  their  inner  s^'x'face,  a  lubricating  fluid,  which 
guards  against  friction.  This  membrane  is  the  seat  of  pleurisy, 
and  pleurisy  consists  of  inflammation  of  it. 

Causes. — It  may  be  presumed  that  the  ordinary  causes  which 
produce  affections  of  the  lungs  are  operative  in  the  production 
of  this  malady,  viz. :  exposure,  by  which  the  surface  of  the  body 
becomes  chilled;  injuries  in  the  thoracic  region;  over-work;  an 
impure  atmosphere ;  a  plethoric  state  of  the  system ;  in  short, 
any  cause  which  is  likely  to  produce  an  inflammatory  affection 
in  other  parts  of  the  body.  I  have  known  horses  become  the 
subjects  of  this  malady  that  have  been  confined  to  the  stable 
for  weeks.  Such  cases  are  clearly  traceable  to  plethora,  want  of 
exercise,  and  impure  air.     It  is  possible  that  some  animals  inherit 


120  DALI  J:   VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

B  pTodisposition  to  pleurisy.  It  has  been  noticed  that  animals  oi 
the  sanguine  temperament  are  more  prone  to  the  malady  than 
others  of  different  temperaments.  Hence,  the  only  way  to  prevent 
pleurisy  is  to  try  and  keep  up  a  good  standard  of  health  in  horses, 
by  affording  them  a  chance  to  have  regular  exercise,  pure  air  in 
the  stable,  and  a  fair  allowance  of  good  wholesome  food.  Pleurisy 
in  the  horse  is  very  apt  to  end  in  hydro-thorax,  or  drojjsy  of  the 
chest;  and  the  case  that  I  am  now  about  to  offer  will  illustratf 
this,  as  well  as  the  symptoms  and  treatment. 

Case  of  Pleurisy  and  Dropsy  of  the  Chest. — A  few  months  ago  I 
was  requested  to  visit  a  gray  gelding,  the  pro])crty  of  a  Mr.  Waldo. 
The  animal  had  been  out  of  health  for  a  week  or  more,  suffering 
from  a  slight  attack  of  influenza,  but  was  improving — so  thought 
the  person  who  was  in  medical  attendance ;  but  the  owner  thought 
otherwise,  and  decided  to  secure  my  services. 

Symptoms.  —  On  examination,  the  following  symptoms  were 
found  present:  Pulse,  wiry;  respirations,  quick,  laborious,  and 
accompanied  with  a  slight  grunt,  indicating  pain  within  the  chest. 
When  pressure,  ever  so  slight,  w^as  made  on  the  sides  of  the  chest, 
it  elicited  very  decided  symptoms  of  pain.  The  animal  would 
occasionally  turn  its  head  toward  the  sid.es,  as  if  to  inform  us  of 
the  seat  of  his  sufferings.  Dropsical  swellings  were  observed  un- 
der the  chest  and  belly,  and  the  hind  legs  were  also  dropsical,  and 
the  vascular  surfaces  of  the  mouth  and  nose  were  tinged  slightly 
yellow;  the  feces  were  scanty,  and  the  urine  was  high-colored; 
the  appetite  was  much  im])aired,  but  the  patient  was  very  thirsty. 
On  the  strength  of  the  condition  of  the  animal,  and  the  presenta- 
tion of  the  above  symptoms,  and  percussion  revealing  water  in  the 
chest,  I  informed  my  employer  that  the  case  was  one  of  pleurisy 
and  dropsy  of  the  chest.  It  is  probable  that  water  had  l)een  accu- 
mulating in  the  chest  for  several  days,  and  that  the  pleura  was 
Involved  at  the  commencement  of  the  malady. 

Treatment. — Dropsy  of  the  chest  is  a  very  formidabV  disease  I: 
treat,  an  J  tlieie  are  but  few  case*  of  cure  on  record;  vet,  I  think 
if  such  cases  came  early  into  the  Lands  of  educated  sufgeons,  and 
they  use  life-sustaining  agents  in  view  of  husbanding  the  ])oweri* 
of  the  vital  forces,  more  cures  will  hereafter  be  recorded.  The 
treatment  of  this  case  was  as  follows:  I  rubbed  the  s'des  of  the 
chest  occasionally  with  a  portion  of  camphor  dissolved  in  olive  oiJ^ 
wid  gave,  morning  and  evening,  during  a  period  of  seventeen  da,^ft> 


I>LirA\LS  OF  RE?FIil..lOK\   V  AJi3>.aSS  AND  ORGANS.         121 

thiiiy  g/a?iis  of"  .'(xll-ie  of  potass  in  two  Ovinees  of  fluid  extract  of 
resin-M-eed  root;  an  o-''casional  dose  of  golden  seal  was  given  as  a 
tonic.  The  iodide  of  potass  acted  on  the  '!yi:,tem  as  a  glandular 
fitiniulant,  and  thus  increased  the  power  of  the  libsorbents  and  ex- 
crement't-'ous  vessels,  to  rid  the  chest  of  its  f  u'd  contents,  while 
the  '-e.'-in-root  acted  as  a  diuretic,  thereby  carrying  off  some  of  the 
fluid  by  way  of  the  kidneys.  During  the  period  of  the  sickness 
o^  this  animal,  the  resonance  of  the  chest  gradua^y  became  clear, 
6K  tliat  at  the  end  of  three  weeks  not  more  than  a  co.iple  of  pints 
of  serum  remained  in  the  chest.     The  animal  rapidly  convalesced. 

During  the  treatment  of  such  a  case  as  the  above,  I  utuilly  feed 
the  animal  liberally  on  oats  and  sweei  hay;  and,  in  order  to  obvi- 
ate ('()nsti})ation,  I  order  an  occasional  bran-mash.  The  auimal, 
h'  A'ever,  may  not,  at  the  commencement,  have  much  rehsh  for 
fv.i/d,  l)ut  after  a. few  doses  of  the  medicine  here  recommended  have 
been  given,  the  appetite  will  soon  be  restored.  It  will  be  noticed, 
during  the  progress  of  this  malady,  that  the  animal  does  not  lie 
down,  but  stands  with  the  fore-legs  widely  apart,  although,  at  the 
very  commencement  of  acute  ])leurisy,  the  subjcv^t  will  often  get 
down,  in  view  of  mitigating  the  lancinating  pain  from  which  he 
suffers,  in  oons<>quence  of  the  distension  of  the  vessels  of  [he  pleura. 
Pleurisy  sometimes  sets  in  as  an  accompaniment  of  influenza, 
which  ahnost  always  ends  in  dropsy  of  the  chest ;  and  as  a  case  ol 
this  kind  is  a  good  one  to  place  on  record,  I  here  intnKluce  one 
from  my  note-book : 

P/euriM)j  endinr/  m  Dropsy  and  Death. — The  horse,  the  subject 
of  the  above-named  maladies,  was  the  property  of  a  milkman  of 
Chicago.  The  animal  had  been  previously  treated  for  the  prevail- 
ing influenza,  accompanied  by  pleurisy,  and  had  about  recovered 
so  as  to  take  daily  exercise;  but  finally  the  owner  discovered  that 
the  horse  was  suddenly  taken  M'ith  a  relapse.  Feeling  alarmed, 
he  procured  one  pint  of  linseed  oil,  with  which  he  di-enched  the 
animal.  Still,  the  horse  rapidly  grew  wor-c  At  this  j)criod,  my 
»  rvices  were  sought.  On  auscultating  and  jiercussing  the  chest, 
I  found  that  the  right  cavity  was  occupied  by  a  large  quantitv  of 
water.  Dropsical  swellings  were  found  in  various  j)arts  of  the 
body,  viz.:  tiie  sheath,  limbs,  and  region  of  the  j^ectoral  muscles. 
On  applying  the  ear  to  the  trachea,  the  respiration  was  of  a  mucoufl 
'^liaracter,  and  tuhular,  showing  that  the  lungs  were  much  diseased. 
Th*'  pxaniiuation  n-^vealed  the  fact  that  about  one-half  the  left  lung 


L'A2  DADDS  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SUllGERY. 

«fas  involved  in  disease.  The  animal  had  no  appetite,  yet  waa 
thirsty ;  and  when  urged  to  move,  would  utter  a  gruiit,  indicative 
of  pain.  It  was  evident  that  the  relapse  was,  or  might  be,  con- 
eidered  a  case  of  pleurisy^  ending  in  effusion  into  the  chest.  The 
worst  feature  of  the  case  was  that  the  animal  purged  violently 
(liquid  iitools)^  having  a  very  strong  odor  of  linseed  oil ;  it  covered 
a  larire  space  on  the  floor,  and  ran  down  his  hind  extremities 
Thii  seemed  to  me  t3  render  the  case  hopeless;  for  super-purgation 
of  itself  will  often  cause  the  death  of  an  otherwise  well  animal. 
But  this  poor  creatuie  was  laboring  under  a  malady  from  which 
few  ever  recover.  However,  I  thought  that  while  "there  is  life 
there  is  hope,"  and  I  commenced  the  treatment  by  ]»erforraing 
the  operation  of  tapping  for  dropsy  of  the  chest.  1  drew  oif 
three  and  a  half  gallons  of  fluid,  of  a  light  straw  col  jr,  from  the 
right  cavity  of  the  chest.  On  auscultating  the  chest,  both  sides 
appeared  resonant,  showing  that  the  waters  must  have  occupied 
both  cavities;  hence,  the  mediastinum  (the  membrane  which  di- 
vides the  thorax  into  two  equal  cavities)  must  have  been  ruptured 
thus  permitting  an  influx  and  reflux  of  the  fluid.  Next,  counter- 
irritants  were  applied  to  both  sides  of  the  chest.  The  patient  was 
properly  clothed,  tonics  and  astringents  were  given,  and  the  case 
was  left  in  the  care  of  an  attendant  for  the  night.  Next  da^  f 
found  the  patient  was  respiring  very  comfortably.  The  tapping 
of  the  chest  seemed  to  have  done  much  good,  yet  the  purging  still 
continued ;  so  I  ordered  scalded  milk  and  charcoal,  and  adminis- 
tered tonics  and  stimulants,  as  before.  But  it  was  very  evident 
that  the  animal  must  die  of  super-purgation,  and  next  morning  I 
received  word  that  death  had  taken  place.  It  was  unfortunate. 
under  the  circumstances,  that  the  owner  should  have  given  linseed 
oil;  for  it  *3  a  very  powerfol  irritant  and  cathartic,  and  produces 
much  irritation  and  inflammation  on  tne  surface  of  the  interior 
of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  as  well  as  uncontrollable  purga- 
don.  It  is  a  remedy  which  is  very  quickly  absorbed,  and  finds  its 
way  into  the  blood  in  a  very  few  minutes,  as  the  following  casf 
will  show:  I  once  gave  a  horse  a  dose  of  linseed  oil  for  the  pur- 
pose of  experiment.  (He  happened  to  be  in  good  health,  or  I 
should  probably  have  lost  him.)  Ten  minutes  after  administer- 
ing the  dose,  I  applied  a  linen  handkerchief  to  the  highly  organ- 
ized membrane  lining  the  eyelid,  and  both  the  odor  and  color  of 
the  oil  could  easily  be  detected.     On  exposing  the  handkerchief 


DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  PASSAGES   AND  ORuANS.        123 

to  a  moderate  degree  of  heat,  for  the  purpose  of  evaporaiion,  a 
grease  spot  remained  ou  the  same ;  hcuce  it  is  an  agent  that  should 
never  be  used  in  pleurisy,  nor  in  any  disease  occurring  in  the  o"  - 
gans  of  respiration.  Dropsical  diseases,  supervening  on  influenza, 
are  never  benefited  by  cathartics,  for  they  always  lead  to  debility 
and  prostration.  Influenza  is  a  disease  of  very  prostrating  char- 
acter; hence  the  proper  j^lan  of  treatment  is  to  sustain  the  vital 
power,  by  nourishing  diet,  tonics,  and  stimulants — ginger  and 
golden  seal.  While  commenting,  however,  on  the  linseed  oil 
treatment,  I  do  not  wish  to  censure  the  owner  of  the  animal ;  fcr 
I  should  be  throwing  stones  into  glass  houses,  having  myself,  in 
former  years,  used  and  recommended  this  kind  of  oil  for  various 
diseases ;  but,  after  many  mishaps,  I  am  satisfied  that  it  is  unsafe 
in  the  treatment  of  equine  affections. 

Pericaeditis  (Inflammation  of  Pericardium), 

(Sometimes  called  "Heart  Disease.") 

The  pericardium  is  a  membranous  sac,  which  surrounds  and 
incloses  the  heart.  It  is  composed  of  two  layers,  united  by  cel- 
lular tissue.  The  external  layer  is  dense  and  fibrous,  and  is 
attached,  by  ligaments,  to  the  sternum,  or  breast-bone  and  dia- 
phragm, and  above  to  the  roots  of  the  large  blood-vessels.  ^  The 
internal  layer  exhibits  internally  a  smooth  surface,  like  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  From  this  surfiice  is  secreted 
a  serous  fluid,  which  lubricates  the  heart,  and  protects  it  from  the 
friction  which  would  otherwise  occur.  The  pericardium  is  a  wall 
of  defense  for  the  heart,  and  keeps  it  in  its  proper  position. 

Pericarditis  signifies  inflammation  of  the  inner  membrane  of 
the  pericardium.  It  is  a  disease  which  is  almost  unknown  to  ibe 
ordinary  practitioner  in  this  country,  and  entirely  unknown  to 
the  husbandman ;  yet  it  is  a  disease  that  carries  off  a  large  number 
of  horses  and  cattle,  and  often  the  parties  concerned  in  the  treat- 
ment and  ownership  of  the  animals  do  not  even  suspect  the  trua 
nature  of  the  malady.  After  the  inflammatory  action  of  the  per- 
icardium has  reigned  for  several  days,  unsuspected  and  un- 
checked, an  inordinate  effusion  from  the  serous  lining  takes  place. 
We  then  have  dropsy  of  the  "  hau't-bag."  Water  accumulates 
around  the  heart,  which  interferes  with  its  action  so  as  to  put  a 
,top  to  circulation,  and  this  results  in  the  death  of  the  animal. 
P-v^arditl^i  often  accompanies,  or  is  the  sequel  of,  j)leurisy  and 


124  LADDS  VEitRINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SCRGEKY 

otl/tr  diseases  of  the  serous  membranes;  yet,  fortunately  for  tht 
patient  as  well  as  the  jiractitioner,  it  does  not  require  any  special 
treatment  other  than  that  laid  down  for  pleurisy  and  disease  of 
other  serous  membranes. 

Causes, — The  causes  of  pericarditis  are  the  same  as  those  which 
arc  said  to  be  operative  in  the  production  of  pleurisy  and  dispaoe 
in  the  serous  membrane,  viz. :  sudden  impressions  of  cold  upon 
Ihc  external  surface  of  the  body;  injuries;  overtasking  the  pow- 
^'rs  of  tlie  animal  })y  laborious  and  rapid  work.  Sometimes 
foreign  bodies,  such  as  pins  and  needles,  have  been  found  within 
the  pericardium,  which  nmst  have  been  taken  into  the  stomach 
with  tlie  food,  and  have  worked  their  way  so  as  to  penetrate  the 
|x?rif'ardium  and  heart.     Such  cases  almost  always  prove  fatal. 

f'ymptoms. — The  general  symptoms  of  the  disease  are  anxiety, 
.shivering,  coldness  of  the  skin  and  mouth,  loss  of  appetite;  the 
jugular  veins  are  congested,  and  they  jmlsate  like  an  artery  ;  there 
is  a  sort  of  tinkling  or  metallic  sound,  when  the  ear  is  applied  to 
tlie  chest  and  lower  part  of  the  neck.  In  the  latter  stages  the 
respiratory  murmur  becomes  very  indistinct,  and  there  is  a  sort 
of  double  expiration,  and  the  ribs  become  contorted,  the  same  as. 
in  dropsy  of  the  chest. 

Treatment. — The  heat  of  the  external  surface  of  the  body  must 
be  restored,  and  kept  uniform  by  means  of  leggings  and  body 
clothing.  Both  sides  of  the  chest  are  to  be  briskly  rubbed,  two  or 
three  times  daily,  with  hot  vinegar  and  strong  mustard.  One 
drachm  of  iodide  of  potass,  dissolved  in  five  ounces  of  warm  water, 
should  be  given  every  four  hours;  but,  should  the  case  be  seen, 
and  the  true  nature  of  the  malady  discovered  in  its  early  stag(>s, 
•omit  the  iodide  of  potass,  and  substitute  two  fluid  drachms  of  tirc- 
<  lire  of  gelseminum.  Two  or  three  doses,  at  intervals  of  four  hours, 
will  suffice;  then  resort  to  the  iodide  of  potass,  or  substitute  for 
the  same  four  drachms  of  chlorate  of  potass.  So  soon  as  the  animal 
appears  to  improve,  discontinue  the  above-named  medicine,  and 
give  tonics.  Four  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  golden  seal,  tuice 
daily  wi     suffice, 

A  fatal  case  of  puie  pericarditis  is  related  by  Mr.  Woodger, 
Y.  S.,  in  the  T^ondon  "Veterinarian."  The  autopsy  revealed  a 
healthy  state  of  the  lungs  and  pleura;  yet  the  pericai'dium  con- 
tained about  three  quarts  of  serum,  highly  colored.  The  walls  of 
the  pericardium  were  considerablv  thickened,  and  studded  v.-itV 


DISEASES    OF    KESPIltATOKY    PASSAGES    AXD    ORGAXS.  I'-^S 

nicrous  bunds  of  lymph,  on  the  inner  surface,  of  a  bright  }clhnv 
color.  Several  small  patches  of  infliimmation  were  likewise  ob- 
served on  the  ventricles  of  the  heait,  near  the  valves  of  this 
organ.  The  heart  itself  was  also  larger  than  usual,  and  much 
softened. 

Heaves. 

A  disease  prevails  among  horses,  more  particularly  hi  the 
Eastern  States,  known  as  heaves,  The  affected  animal  heaves  at 
the  flanks,  or,  rather,  performs  what  is  knov/n  as  abdominal  respi- 
nilion,  bv  bringing  into  play,  at  the  monn  nt  of  expiration,  the 
abdominal  muscles,  for  the  jmrpose  of  aiding  the  lungs  and  dia- 
lihragni  in  thu  function  of  expiialion  and  respiration.  Th& 
disease  somewhat  resembles  asthma,  it  being  of  a  spasmodic 
character,  and  afier  continuing  for  some  time,  will  suddenly 
disappear.  The  disease  may  be  defined  as  being  great  diffi- 
culty in  breathing  ;  continuous  ;  aggravated,  by  dust  on  the  road, 
musty  hay,  improper  provender,  impure  air,  and  sudden  atmos- 
pheric changes.  On  appl}ing  the  ear  in  the  region  cf  bronchi, 
or  to  the  upper  sides  of  the  chest,  a  wheezing  sound  cf  respira- 
tion is  heard.  These  symptoms,  togt  ther  with  the  hea.  ing  motion 
at  the  flanks,  constitutes  heaves.  When  the  disease  is  merely 
functional— that  is  to  say,  brought  on  by  feeding  musty  hay  and 
musty  clover— a  cure  is  affected  by  feeding  jirairie  hay,  which 
contains  the  well-known  sil[)hyum,  "  resin  weed."  The  husband 
men  who  reside  in  the  vicinity  of  where  the  resin  weed  grows 
are  well  accpiainted  with  Ihe  properties  of  this  plant,  and  they 
declare  that  it  is  a  specific  for  the  treatment  of  asthma  or  heaves. 
I  have  used  the  article  in  the  form  of  fluid  extract,  prepared  from 
the  root,  and  I  find  it  to  be  a  veiy  valuable  remedy.  The  dose 
of  the  fluid  extract  is  two  ounces,  morning  and  e\ening.  There 
are  some  cases,  however,  which  are  incurable,  owing  to  organic 
disease  of  the  bronchi,  or  rupture  of  air-cells  in  the  lungs.  Such 
casts  are  known  by  the  unnatuial  ]-e,si>lration  when  the  horse  is 
drawing  a  heavy  load  or  traveling  up  hill.  His  breathing  is  then 
very  distressing,  and  he  not  only  brings  into  play  the  abdominal 
muscles,  but  also  the  muscles  of  the  chest  (intercostals).  Such 
cases,  although  considered  incurable,  maybe  palliated  by  the  daily 
use  of  fluid  extract  of  resin  weed.  Provided  prairie  hay  can  not 
be  obtained  as  food,  the  ordinary  hay  used  should  be  sprinkled 


126 


DADD"S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


witli  salted  water,  in  the  proportion  of  a  lianJfal  of  salt  to  one 
bucket  of  water.  Sprinkling  the  hay  with  weak  lime-water  has 
also  a  good  effect.  Sliced  carrots,  parsnips,  or  potatoes,  fed  occa- 
sionally, are  also  beneficial.  But,  of  all  our  remedies,  none  equal'' 
a  run  at  grass  on  prairie  lands. 


MAIN  AETEEIES  ON  THE  INSIDE  OF  ONE  OF  THE  FOBE-LEGSc  P^M 
SHOULDER  TO  KNEE. 


Explanation  of  Plate. 


1.  Humeral  thoracic. 

2.  Axillary. 

8.  Interua^  thoracic. 
4.  Dorsal  scapular. 
6.  External  thoracic. 
6.  Humeral. 


Brachial. 

Branches  of  the  triceps 
Ulnar  branches. 
Spiral  branches. 
Kadial  branches. 


i2.  Metacarpal  arteries,  large  and  smalL 


SECTION  V. 


DENTITION    AND    DIET. 


The  Horse's  Age  as  showx  by  his  Teeth— On  the  Diet  of  Horses— The  effects 

or   VARIOUS  KINDS   OF  FoOD— As  REGARDS  THE   QUANTITY   OF    FoOD    REQUIRED 

As  REGARDS  CHANGES  IN  DiET — CONCLUSION. 

The  Horse's  Age  as  shown  by  his  Teeth. 

FIGURE  1  is  a  representation  of  a  foal's  "  mouth,"  as  it  ap- 
pears at  the  age  of  twelve  months ;  the  tempoi-arij  teeth  are 
sliown,  and  all,  except  the  corner  ones,  are  worn  quite  smooth. 
(See  remarks  on  temporary  teeth.)  Figure  2,  a  two-years  old; 
the  two  anterior,  or  front  temporary  teeth,  are  shed,  and  the  per- 
manent ones,  with  their  deep  pit  in  the  center,  and  unworn  edges, 


Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


TEMPORARY   TEETH   OF  THE  COLT. 


TWO   YEARS  OLD. 


are  approaching  a  level  with  the  remaining  temporary.  Figure  3, 
a  three-years  old ;  the  two  permanent  middle  toctli  are  seen,  with 
their  deep  j3t7s,  etc.,  and  are  nearly  on  a  level  with  the  iwo  front 
permanent  teeth,  which  are  smoothed  down.  Figure  4,  a  four- 
years  old ;  the-  permanent  corner  teeth  are  now  "  cut,"  and  the 
tushes  have  appeared,  although  the  latter  may  not  ajipcar  until 

(127i 


DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

five.  Figure  5,  a  five-years  old;  the  corner  teeth  are  well  upj 
the  faces  of  the  front  and  middle  are  Avorn  more  or  less,  and 
the  tushes  are  more  developed.  Figure  6,  a  six-years  old ;  the 
Hack  marks  have  disappeared  from  the  two  front  teeth,  and  a 


Fig.  4. 


£- 


THEEE    YEARS  OLD. 


FDLK   YEAItS   01. D. 


brownish  mark  is  perceivable.  Figure  7,  a  seven-years  old ;  the 
black  marks  have  now  disappeared  from  the  two  middle  teeth,  and 
a  brown  spot  is  seen  in  the  center.  Figure  8,  an  eight-years  old; 
the  marks  and  cavities  of  the  comer  teeth  are  now  effaced.  Fig- 
ure 9  is  a  horizontal  view  of  "  Black  Hawk's  "  incisors,  and,  cou- 


Fig.  6. 


m. 


FIVE   VEARS  OLD. 


SIX   YEARS   OLD. 


trasted  with  figure  10,  (a  young  month,)  shows  the  degree  of 
inclination  existing  between  the  incisors  of  the  aged  and  young 
animals. 

The  Colt's  Mouth. — Bemarks  on  the  Temporary  Teeth.     {In- 
cisors.)   In  the  course  of  from  ten  to  fifteen  days  after  birth  (varying 


DENTITION  AND  DIET. 


129 


bccasionally),  tlio//-oy/^  nippers  in  the  upper  and  lower  jaw  makd 
their  a})pearanee,  and,  during  the  period,  which  occurs  between 
the  third  and  fifth  week=  c^.e  DAddle  incisOfs  appear.  Between  the 
eeventh  and  ninth  lUvjutL  the  luterai  or  corner  teeth  are  cut.     The 


^ 


SKVF>;    YEARS   OLD. 


F.IGHT   1EARS   OLD. 


colt  is  now  in  possession  of  a  full  set  of  temporary  incisors.  These 
temporary,  or  "milk"  teeth,  ditfer  from  the  pjermanent  ones  by 
beino-  much  smaller  and  (previous  to  shedding)  whiter,  having  on 
their  anterior  or  front  surfaces  grooves  or  furrows;  also  a  well- 
defined  body,  neck,  and  slender  fang.  They  also  present  oval 
surfaces  anteriorily,  or  in  front ;  and  within  the  mouth  they  are 
concave.  Their  surfaces  are  generally  uniform  and  smooth,  and 
resemble  the  eye  of  an  English  horse-bean. 


Fig.  9. 


HORIZONTAL   VIEW   OF  OLD   BLACK    HAWK'S  INCI80B8  AND  TDBBU. 

The  Permanent  Teeth. — Constitutional  idiosyncrasies  art 
often  operative  in  hastening  or  retarding  dentition,  and  the  char- 
acter of  the  food,  whether  it  be  natural  or  artificial;  and  thfl 
9 


130  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERV. 

mode  of  obtaining  the  one  or  the  other  makes  considerable  differ- 
ence in  the  wear  and  tear  of  the  same,  consequently  we  must 
bear  in  mind  that  the  popular  theory  of  "  age  "  is  sometimes  more 
arbitrary  than  truthful,  and  allowances  for  the  same  must  be 
made.  At  the  age  of  two,  or  a  few  months  over,  the  front  perma' 
nent  teeth  ought  to  appear,  aud,  consequently,  at  the  age  of  three, 
varying  a  few  months,  the  middle  teeth  are  up.  At /our,  varying 
as  in  the  preceding  cases,  the  corner  teeth  begin  to  show  them- 
selves, and  are  not  up  square  with  the  others  until  the  fifth  year. 
The  animal  now  emerges  from  colthood>  and  is  known  as  a  horse. 
As  regards  the  female,  daring  her  minority  she  is  termed  "flly;'* 
at  five  she  enters  the  adult  stage,  and,  consequently,  is  deuomi- 


&  YouNa  horse's  mouth. 


nated  a  mare.  Supposing  the  horse  to  have  a  full  set  of  nip|>ers, 
or  incisors,  at  the  age  of  five,  the  marks,  or  black  incrustation, 
will  have  so  worn  away  at  six  as  to  leave  a  faint  brown  mark 
At  seven,  similar  appearances  have  taken  place  in  the  two  next, 
or  middle,  teeth.  At  eight  the  marks,  or  rather  the  cavities,  of 
the  two  next,  or  corner  teeth,  are  now  about  obliterated,  and  the 
fiice  of  the  teeth  are  nearly  level,  and  the  central  enamel  is  nearer 
the  inward  than  the  outward  border.  After  the  marks  have  all 
disappeared  in  the  lower  jaw,  the  exact  age  can  not  clearly  be 
shown.  At  the  age  of  nine  the  front  teeth  appear  somewhat 
rounded;  the  middle  and  corner  ones  contract  their  oval  faces, 
and  the  central  enamel  diminishes  and  approaches  the  inward 
border.  At  ie^i  the  middle  incisors  resemble  those  at  nine,  and 
the  central  enamel  has  approximated  the  inward  border  and  i« 
rounded.     At  e/^jen  the  middle  teeth  resemble  those  at  ten,  and 


DENTITION  AND  DIET. 


131 


the  central  enamel  is  almost  worn  off.  At  hcelve  the  corner  teeth 
take  on  the  triangular  form,  and  their  central  enamel  is  very  con- 
tracted, and  a  vellow  mark  is  left.  At  tJiirtcen  the  sides  of  the 
front  teeth  thicken,  and  they  hegin  to  assume  a  triangular  appear- 
ance, and  the  whole  incisors  of  the  lower  jaw  complete  the  trian- 
gular form  at  the  age  of  seventeen.  xVt  c'lghtcen  the  front  teeth 
are  somewhat  flattened  from  side  to  side ;  the  flattening  goes  on 
in  the  middle  and  corner  teeth,  and  is  completed  at  tlie  age  of 
iwenty-one,  giving  them  the  appearance  of  a  reversed  oval.  As 
regards  the  maris  in  the  upper  incisors,  they  disappear  from  the 
front  teeth  in  the  course  of  the  ninth  year^  from  the  middle  in  the 
tenth,  and  from  the  corner  or  lateral  ones  in  the  eleventh  year; 


Fig.  U. 


A   PORTION   OF    THE    LOWER    JAW    OF   Ol.n    ni.ACK     HAWK, 

(Aged  twenty-three  years  and  eight  uioiiths.J 


and  as  the  animal  increases  in  years,  the  upper  corner  teeth  be- 
come indented  or  notched.  The  inclimdion  of  the  teeth  enables 
us  to  form  some  idea  of  the  horse's  age.  In  a  young  horse,  the 
teeth  are  upright  (see  fig.  10) ;  after  the  age  of  eight  they  gradu- 
ally become  horizontal,  (see  "Black  Hawk's"  mouth,)  and  the 
upper  teeth  overlap  the  under  ones,  and  thus  M'car  off  their  outer 
edge. 

The  Tushes,  or  Canine  Teeth. — Between  the  ages  of  four 
and  six  the  tushes,  which,  in  the  male,  are  four  in  number,  make 
their  appearance.  In  sha])e  they  are  conical,  with  a  sharp  point, 
and  curved.  On  the  inside  there  are  two  furrows,  which  com- 
mence at  the  base  and  meet  at  the  ai>ex,  leaving  a  triangular 
eminence  between  them.  The  shari)iK'ss  of  the  apex,  the  degree 
of  curvature,  and  the  distinctness  of  the  furrows  are  good  erite- 
rions  of  youth;  for,  as  the  animal  advances  in  years,  the  tushes 


132  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEH7. 

become  blunt,  less  angular,  and  more  rounded,  and  the  furrows 
have  disappeared.  Supposing  that  the  tushes  are  not  completely 
evolved  until  the  age  of  Jive;  in  the  sixth  year  the  apex  of  the 
cone  is  worn  some ;  in  the  seventh  the  furrows  grow  shallow ;  in 
the  eighth  year  they  are  obliterated,  after  which  period  the  apex 
gradually  wears  away,  and  the  body  of  the  same  becomes  rounder* 
and  pointed,  or  blunt,  according  to  circumstances.  Aside  from 
the  teeth,  an  aged  horse  may  be  known  by  the  deep  pits  above  the 
orbital  processes;  the  sunken  eye  ;  by  the  prominence  of  the  joints 
and  loss  of  plumpness  in  the  muscles ;  the  lips  an'',  somewhat  pen- 
dulous; the  withers  sharp;  the  back  becomes  arihed;  the  teeth 
are  lengthened,  and  become  yellow. 


jTa»3^^^gi^  *a-- 


▲  POBTIOS  OF  THE   UPPER  JAW  OF  OLD   BLAc  *   HAWK, 

(Aged  twenty -three  years  and  eight  munthii.) 

The  Grixders,  or  Molars,  afford  but  very  little  infornLVi^>» 
t£  regards  the  precise  age  of  a  horse.  As  he  advances  in  ye^'a, 
however,  the  outer  edges  become  sharpened,  so  that  it  often  Le- 
oomes  necessary  to  rasp  them.  As  regards  their  development,  i\ 
is  understood  that  the  foal  is  born  with  two  upper  and  lowei 
grinders  in  each  jaw.  At  the  end  of  a  month,  sometimes  more,  ? 
third  appears.  At  the  completion  of  the  first  year,  cr  thereabouts, 
ft  fourth  grinder  in  each  jaw  appears.  Thus  the  yeailing  has  six- 
teen grinders.  At  the  age  of  two,  a  fifth  grinder  appears,  and  at 
the  age  of  three  the  sixth  and  last  appear.  It  must  be  rememberec? 
that  crib})ers  and  voracious  feeders  are  apt  to  deface  their  teeth, 
and  thus  some  persons  are  apt  to  be  deceived  as  regards  the  exad 
iiige;  but  a  good  judge,  who  takes  into  consideration  not  only  the 
appearances  of  the  surfaces,  but  also  the  marks,  points,  and  th* 
inclination  of  the  teeth,  will  not  be  apt  to  make  any  grave  mistake* 


DBNTITION  AND  DIET.  133 


(m  rnt.  Diet  of  Horses — (Men  often  Dig  theib  Gkaves 
WITH  iHEiR  Teeth,  and  the  same  is  true  as  regards 
HoRSKn)  —  Variety  of  Food  necessary — Effects  of 
certain   kinds  of   Food  —  As   regards    the   requisite 

QUANTUM,   etc. 

It  is  admittevl  by  medical  men,  and  the  experience  of  the  reader 
may  possibly  have  confirmed  the  fact,  that  a  great  proportion  cf 
the  diseases  occuni.ng  among  live  stock  are  produced,  either  di- 
rectly or  indirect  1}-,  ir>y  errors  in  diet;  consequently  the  means  of 
prevention  should  be  known,  and  used  accordingly. 

No  special  form  of  diet  can,  for  any  great  length  of  time,  pre- 
serve the  integrity  of  tho  animal  system.  In  order  to  substan- 
tiate this  assertion,  we  sha'l  show  the  effect  of  simple  elementary 
•Drinciplej  on  the  body  o.*"  uan,  inferring,  at  the  same  time,  that 
man's  sei-yant,  the  horse,  ;s  included.  The  reader  has  probablv 
beard  of  the  experiment  n.vle  by  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  which 
was  that  of  trying  to  supply  t^ie  nutritive  wants  of  his  system  1)y 
living  on  a  concentrated  prcptiit'on  of  beef,  in  the  form  of  jellv. 
He  gave  it  a  fair  trial,  yet  came  very  near  starving  on  the  same 
and  he  was  led  to  remark  that  tbe  stomach  was  a  sort  of  scav- 
enger, which  required  a  given  anvMint  of  rubbish  to  sort  from, 
and  select  the  necessary  elements  for  renovating  the  tissues.  He 
probably  selected  jelly  because  it  is  bighly  nutritious,  containing 
more  of  the  flesh-making  principle  than  most  articles  of  food 
It  was  rich,  not  only  in  nitrogen,  but  aho  in  oxygtn,  hydiogen, 
and  carbon,  four  of  the  principal  elemeuts  which  comjjose  th«» 
animal  fabric. 

The  fact  is,  no  single  article  of  diet,  let  n  be  ever  s  i  rich  in  the 
elements  cf  organized  tissues,  can  long  support  life.  A.  nation  of 
men  subsisting  long  on  a  simple  form  of  dht,  without  variety 
would  soon  become  emaciated,  and  die  of  innutrition.  I^et  the 
Grahumites  abstain  from  milk,  and  live  on  broad  and  water,  and 
they  would  soon  exterminate  themselves.  ^lilk  is  a  highly  nu- 
tritious compound,  and  furnishes  their  systems  ^ith  the  etjuiva- 
lents  that  we  obtain  from  beef  and  nmtton.  The  inhabitants  of 
the  "Celestial  Empire"  (Chinese)  are  great  consumers  of  rice. 
It  is  tlie  ,^iiii''ipa!  article  of  diet  among  the  poorer  classes,  many 
of  wl'W   vrp  Jank  and   lean,  and   would  make  very  respectable 


<34  L'ADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SCKGEKV. 

walking  lanterns,  (if  lighted  candles  were  plaopd  within  theii 
abdomens),  only  they  hap2)en,  occasionally,  to  catch  a  stray  dog 
or  pig,  on  which  they  make  a  savory  meal,  and  thus  furnish  the 
material  for  the  formation  of  muscle  and  fat. 

Magendie  has  proved  that  even  the  canine  race  can  n^  t  live 
rnnre  than  forty  days  on  any  single  article  of  diet,  let  it  be  ever 
50  nutritious,  for  it  is  either  followed  by  starvation  or  disease; 
iieiice  the  necessity  for  variety  in  food.  In  allusion  to  disease 
being  produced  by  the  long-continued  use  of  a  single  article  of 
diet,  I  would  mention  that  the  Scotch  peasants  are  great  con- 
sumers of  oat-meal.  This  article  is  little  inferior  to  wheat  in  the 
flesh-making  principle,  and  we  might. naturally  infer  that  an  arti- 
cle of  diet  so  valuable  and  palatable,  when  properly  cooked,  should 
tend  to  promote  health.  This,  however,  is  not  the  case.  Those 
who  eat  the  most  oat-meal  are,  according  to  medical  testimony, 
the  notorious  subjects  of  intestinal  concretions,  and  in  the  Edin- 
burg  Anatomical  Museum  is  to  be  seen  a  vast  and  valuable  col- 
lection of  intestinal  calculi,  most  of  which  caused  the  deaths  ou 
confirmed  oat-meal  consumers. 

Dr.  Carpenter,  an  eminent  physiologist,  says  that  "no  fa(;t 
in  dietetics  is  better  established  than  that  concerning  the  impos- 
sibility of  long  sustaining  health  and  life  on  a  single  alimentary 
principle.  Neither  pure  albumen,  fibrine,  gelatine,  gum,  sugar, 
starch,  fat,  nor  oil,  taken  alone,  can  serve  for  the  due  nutrition  of 
the  body.  This  is  partly  due  to  their  failing  in  supplying  the 
waste  of  the  tissues,  and  jiartly  to  the  fact  that  single  alimentaiy 
ful)stances,  long  continued,  excite  such  a  feeling  of  disgust  thai 
ne  animals  experimented  on  seem  to  prefer  the  endurance  of 
starvation  to  the  ingestion  of  the  same." 

The  reader  is  probably  aware  that  when  ;\  person  has  long  been 
confined  to  any  particular  article  of  diet,  a  craving  for  something 
else  is  experienced,  which  very  few  persons  can  resist.  Th.'A 
teaches  us  that,  in  order  to  preserve  the  health  of  live  stock,  «!.■ 
niu'it  vary  the  diet,  and  are  not  to  be  over-particular  in  selecting 
the  most  nutritious  articles.  But  we  want,  as  Napoleon  says,  a 
littl(!  rubbish — cui.rse  rubbish  >  The  internal  surface  of  the  stom- 
ach and  bowels  require  to  be  irritated  once  in  awhile,  and  this 
probably  was  the  idea  which  Graham  had  when  he  first  recom- 
mended coarse  food.  The  stomach  must  be  aide  to  labor  hard 
at  times,  or  its  function  will  deteriorate.     Perse  is  whc  complain 


DENTITION  AND  DIET.  13A 

of  weak  stomachs  and  dyspepsia  are  those  who  live  on  dainty 
viands,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  distend  that  organ  to  a  healthy 
capacity  with  coarse  material.  Consider,  for  a  moment,  the  con- 
dition of  Spanish  and  Italian  peasants.  They  have  not  much  of 
our  national  disease  (dyspepsia)  among  them.  The  bread  that 
tliey  ea^.  is  made  of  coarse  material ;  yet  with  that,  and  the  addition 
of  a  little  oil,  wine,  and  a  few  vegetables,  they  can  indure  greater 
fatigue,  and  often  carry  a  heavier  burden  than  he  who  lives  on 
more  concentrated  food.  We  may  distend  the  horse's  stomach 
witlr  coarsp  food,  and,  perhaps,  not  impair  its  function  so  mucli  as 
\7he;i  overburdened  wi;b  meal  and  concentrated  food. 

Tlie  stomiich  must  be  made  to  work  for  a  living  once  in 
awhile.  Hard  work  agrees  with  it,  and  coarse  fodder  stimulate- 
and  develops  its  latent  powers,  and  augments  the  gastric  secretion, 
which  is  the  active  solvent  of  the  food.  Labor  operates  on  the 
stomach  in  the  same  manner  and  in  the  same  ratio  that  it  does 
on  the  brain  or  muscles — increases  their  capacity.  Compare,  for 
example,  the  brawny  arm  of  the  mechanic  with  that  of  the  count- 
ing-house clerk,  or  the  powerful  muscles  of  the  truck  and  farm- 
horse  with  those  of  the  pet  saddle-horse.  This  comes  of  work, 
hard  work.  See  the  king  of  birds,  the  eagle,  towering  above  and 
beyond  the  sight  and  ken  of  man,  darting,  with  almost  lightning 
speed,  from  mountain  to  valley,  buffeting  the  rude  shocks  of 
heaven's  artillery.  He  acquires  strength  of  muscle  and  wing  by 
extraordinary  exertion  and  desperate  feats  of  flight.  After  the 
fame  fashion  we  develop  the  mental  faculties,  augment  protracted 
juental  labor,  close  thought,  and  study,  light  up  the  intellectual 
nature  of  man,  and  develop  the  latent  powers  of  his  brain ;  and 
the  more  his  mind  acquires,  the  greater  and  more  varied  are  its 
powers. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  the  various  f  mctima 
of  the  body  require  periods  of  rest;  for,  sliould  a  horse  be  perrait- 
ted  to  stand  up  to  a  full  crib,  and  spend  the  greater  part  of  t  e 
day  and  night  in  cramming  his  stomach,  disease,  sooner  or  later, 
must  surely  occur.  The  same  is  true  as  regards  man.  Let  an 
individual  gormandize  through  the  day,  and  then  indulge  in  a 
late  supper,  and  continue  the  practice,  he  soon  acquires  a  sympa- 
thetic headache,  or  the  stomach  grows  refractory,  and  casts  up  the 
burden,  for  the  simple  reason  that  its  function  is  overtaxed.  It 
must  have  rest.     Tlie  same  rule  applies  t^  the  muscular  and  mrn- 


136  DADD'S  VETEIUNARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

tal  natures.  If,  therefore,  hard  labor  develops  the  function  of 
either,  rest,  at  suital  le  intervals,  preserves  their  integrity,  and, 
therefore,  must  not  bo  disregarded. 

In  selecting  food  for  working  animals,  we  must  remember  that 
they  require  certain  inorganic  equivalents,  which  seem  to  be  as 
necessary  for  the  support  of  the  system  as  nutriment.  Salt,  for 
example,  is  not  nutritious;  yet  neither  man  nor  brute  can  long 
exist  without  it.  Common  salt,  chloride  of  sodium,  is  deccm- 
posed  in  the  stomach,  and  is  there  found  in  the  form  of  muriatic 
acid  and  soda.  The  former  is  supposed  to  aid  digestion,  and  the 
latter  eliminates  bile.  Neither  is  phosphorus  (found  in  straw) 
nutritious,  yet  that  article  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  sujiport 
of  animal  life.  It  is  an  element  of  both  vegetable  and  animal 
organization.  The  former  absorbs  it  from  the  soil,  and,  in  turn^ 
yield  it  to  animals,  by  the  process  of  digestion.  Oats  and  beana 
are  nitrogenous  compounds,  flesh-making  equivalents,  yet  they 
furnish  only'  one  part  in  a  thousand  of  the  article  we  need — phos- 
phorus; while  cut  straw,  potatoes,  and  several  other  "inferior" 
vegetables,  contain  more  than  double  the  quantity  of  the  same 
^  that  a  horse  must  eat  such  rubbish  as  straw,  potatoes,  carrots, 
oeets,  and  "stubble,"  in  order  to  supply  the  necessary  material. 
Then  consider  that  sulphur,  iron,  chlorine,  lime,  potassium,  mag- 
aesium,  and  several  other  mineral  'substances,  not  in  the  least 
nutritious,  are  alike  necessary  for  the  support  and  integrity  of 
the  living  organism,  and,  therefore,  should  be  the  elements  of 
food.  Some  articles  furnish  the  needful  in  abundance ;  in  others 
there  is  a  deficiency.  This  supplies  another  argument  in  favor 
"af  vai  iations  in  diet. 

A  lecturer  on  physiology  has  remarked  that  "  there  exists  a 
peculiar  analogy  between  vegetable  productions  and  living  ani- 
mals. Animal  and  vegetable  fibrine — albumen  of  eggs  and  the 
gluten  of  wheat — contain  about  15  per  cent,  of  nitrogen,  so  that 
they  are  somewhat  identical.  If  you  take  100  lbs.  of  floui  and 
wash  it  i  water,  frequently  changing  the  same,  you  get  15  lbs. 
of  gluten.  This  is  the  flesh-making  principle,  and  represents  1 5 
lbs.  of  the  albumen  of  flesh.  The  gluten  of  flour,  caseine  of  cheese 
and  peas,  albumen  of  eggs,  and  the  flesh  of  an  animal  contain 
also  a  relative  amount  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen ;  so  that 
the  flesh  of  animals  is  already  prepared  for  them  in  the  vegeta- 
ble world.     The  digestive  organs  of  animals  merely  change  thr 


DENTITION  AND  DIET.  137 

mecbanical  form  and  condition  of  the  former;  their  chemical  com. 
position  remain  about  the  same." 

The  EFFEcrrs  of  various  kinds  op  Food. 

It  h  customary,  in  some  stables,  to  feed  horses,  nearly  all  the 
year  round,  with  what  is  known  as  "  cut  feed,"  which  is  composed 
of  cut  hay,  meal,  shorts,  salt,  and  considerable  water;  the  whole 
is  mixed  together,  and  served  out,  sometimes,  without  regard  to 
quantity.  This  kind  of  food  might,  and  sometimes  does,  agree 
with  horses,  but  it  is  not  right  to  feed  them,  year  after  year,  on 
the  same,  for  the  reason  just  set  forth.  Another  reason  for  ob- 
iecting  to  this  food  is,  that,  in  the  stables  alluded  to,  we  hear 
of  a  great  many  cases  of  tympanitis  and  flatulent  colic  (diseases 
riomewhat  identical),  arising,  no  doubt,  from  the  presence  of  so 
large  a  quantity  of  water  as  some  persons  are  in  the  habit  of 
nsing.  It  saturates  the  food,  and  retards  digestion.  Not  only 
this,  but  when  dry  food,  highly  charged  with  water,  enters  the 
stomach,  the  temperature  of  the  latter  causes  the  food  to  swells 
increase  in  bulk — and  distends  that  organ,  and  also  favors  fer- 
mentation  instead  of  digestion ;  hence  arises  flatulency.  We  do 
not,  however,  mean  to  contend  that  such  food  is  at  all  times  the 
direct  cause  of  indigestion,  colic,  etc.,  because  many  stablers  are 
ready  to  testify  that  they  have  fed  the  same  for  many  years  with- 
out any  apparent  inconvenience  to  their  horses;  but  we  contend 
that  it  acts  indirectly  in  the  manner  alluded  to;  and,  altliongh 
some  horses  may  "  get  used  to  it,"  and  others,  having  wonderful 
eligestive  organs,  assimilate  it,  yet  the  day  of  reckoning  may  not 
be  far  off.  We  contend  that  water  taken  with  food  always  retards 
digestion.  The  proper  solvents  of  the  food  are  the  gastric  fluids, 
and  the  horse  has  abundant  facilities  for  supplying  the  requisite 
quantity.  An  ordinary  horse  is  said  to  secrete,  while  feeding, 
fluid,  of  salivial  and  gastric  characters,  at  the  rate  of  one  gallon 
per  hour — enougti,  we  should  judge,  to  saturate  a  common  meal; 
therefore  the  water  is  not  needed.  We  urge  no  objection  against 
Oie  more  rational  custom  of  merely  sprinkling  the  food  with  salted 
water,  in  view  of  absorbing  dust,  which  often  abounds  in  inferior 
hay,  but  do  seriously  object  to  the  practice  of  using  a  large  quan- 
tity of  cold  water  in  the  preparation  of  food  for  horses. 

From  experiments  made  by  scientific  men.  it  has  been  asccr- 


138  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY, 

tained  that  parsnips,  carrots,  turnips,  and  cabbage,  which  Lcntain 
from  80  to  90  per  cent,  of  water,  require  over  twice  as  much  time  to 
digest  as  when  the  food  is  free  from  water.  Cabbage,  for  example, 
requires  twenty  hours,  and  broiled  beef-steak  only  eight,  to  digest. 
Turn  a  cow  into  a  luxuriant  pasture  of  grass  or  clover,  and,  after 
partaking  of  one  or  the  other,  she  is  liable  to  become  "blown"  or 
•"hoven" — tympanitic;  the  abdomen  becomes  enormously  dis- 
tended with  gas,  (either  carbonic  acid  gas,  or  sulphurtied  hydro 
gen,)  and,  unless  the  same  be  condensed  or  evacuated,  rupture  and 
death  are  sure  to  follow.  This  imperfect  digestion  and  consequent 
generation  of  gas  is  due  to  the  presence  of  vegetable  fluids  found  in 
green  fodder.  Therefore,  animals  having  weak  digestive  organs, 
predisposed  to  flatulency,  should  have  the  privilege  of  watering 
their  own  food  with  salivial  fluid.  The  best  diet  for  such  an  ani- 
mal would  be  "dry  feed,"  composed  of  ground  oats,  cracked  corn, 
"fine  feed,"  and  a  small  quantity  of  sweet  hay.  On  the  other 
nand,  a  constipated  state  of  the  bowels  always  indicates  coarsj 
food;  and  in  this  view  the  English  use  chopped  straw  and  coarsa 
bran,  with  decided  advantage.  Animals  should  never  be  watere<l 
immediately  before  nor  after  meals^,  after  the  lapse  of  an  hour 
from  feeding  time  is  the  best. 

As   REGARDS   THE    QUANTITy   OF    FoOD    REQUIRED. 

The  adult  horse  does  not  require  so  much  of  the  flesh-making 
principle  as  the  young  and  growing  animal,  but  he  seems  to  requires 
f  greater  variety.  The  adult  merely  requires  enough  to  rejjlacL^ 
ihe  waste — the  wear  and  tear  of  his  system.  If  he  obtains  mori; 
than  tills,  the  surplus  is  either  excreted  from  the  body,  or  elst; 
stored  up  within  the  same  in  the  form  of  fat;  and  every  body 
knows  that  a  fat  horse  or  fat  man  are  not  best  adapted  for  a  race 
nor  hard  labor,  but  of  all  others,  (except  those  in  a  state  of  de- 
bility,) they  are  most  subject  to  acute  disease.  With  the  young 
and  growing  animal  the  case  is  different.  Here  we  require  boue, 
muscle,  and  nervf.  Oats,  corn,  and  pollard  furnish  the  same. 
The  colt  obtains  from  its  mother's  milk  all  the  elements  of  its  own 
organization  in  a  concentrated  form — all  that  seems  necessary  for 
developing  bodily  proportions  and  hereditary  traits;  therefore, 
when  weaned,  the  colt  must  be  furnished  with  the  same  equivalents 
in  tlie  form  of  fodder:  ground  oats,  wheat  bran,  and  meal  furnish 


DENTITION   AND  DIET.  13S 

the  same.  It  is  the  young  and  growing  animal  that  requires  our 
greatest  attention.  If  our  readers  desire  to  raise  colts  that  bhall 
remunerate  them  for  the  trouble  and  expense  incurred,  they  must 
feed  the  same,  during  their  minority,  with  a  liberal  hand.  Any 
neglect  at  this  period  can  never  be  made  up  in  after  life,  The 
eubject  will  always  remain  lank  and  lean — living  monuments  of 
their  master's  follv  or  ignorance,  as  the  case  may  be.  In  additic  n 
to  the  food  required  for  the  colt's  growth,  we  nuist  also  furni>h 
enough  to  supply  the  waste  incurred  by  expenditure  of  muscular 
power.  We  all  know  that  the  young  are  very  active  and  playful. 
Every  muscular  movement  involves  an  expenditure'  of  vital  force, 
and  thus  exhausts  the  system;  therefore,  in  view  of  develo])ing 
their  full  proportions,  and  promoting  the  integrity  of  the  living 
mechanism,  they  must  have  nutritious  food,  and  plenty  of  it.  Tliey 
are  not,  however,  to  have  a  large  quantity  at  a  time,  but  little  and 
often.  Their  stomach  is  small,  not  larger  than  that  ot  a  man's. 
Should  it  be  overdistended  with  innutritions  food,  the  organs  of 
respiration  and  circulation  become  embarrassed,  and  the  blood 
loaded  with  carbon.  They  require  food  often,  because  tne  diges- 
tive organs  are  very  active,  and  soon  dis})0se  of  an  ordinary  meal. 
Then  comes  the  sensation  of  hunger,  which  every  one  knows  is 
hard  to  bear. 

The  climate  or  temperature  of  the  surrounding  atmosphere  has  a 
wondcrfid  effect  on  the  animal  machine.  I^et  two  horses  be  located 
in  different  stables,  one  of  which  shall  be,  like  "  Jack  Straw's  * 
house  neither  wind-tight  nor  water-proof;  the  other  built  on 
tne  air-tight  principle.  The  occupant  of  the  former  will  require 
more  food  than  he  of  the  latter,  because  cold  air  has  a  depressing 
influence  on  the  body,  exhausting  superficial  heat.  Our  readers 
are  probably  aware  that  if  a  hot  brick  be  placed  in  contact  with 
a  cold  one,  the  caloric  radiated  from  the  first  is  absorbed  by  the 
latter,  until  a  sort  of  equilibrium  be  established.  The  same  is 
true  as  regards  the  body  of  a  horse.  He  being  in  an  atuK^sphc re 
manv  degrees  less  than  that  of  his  own  body,  gives  off  the  heat 
of  the  same  to  the  surrounding  medium.  The  heat  thus  given 
off  has  to  be  replaced  by  food,  which  is  the  combustible  material 
But  it  often  happens  that  the  digestive  organs  are  deranged,  in- 
capable of  assimilating  a  sufficiency  of  carbonaceous  material  to 
maintnin  even  the  normal  temperature  of  the  body.  The  corse- 
qu»-r>.'    Are,  loss  of  flesh  and  health.     On  tho  nther  hand,  a  tat 


140  DADDS  VEIEKINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERT. 

horse  can  endure  the  depressing  influences  of  a  cold  atmosphc  re, 
because  he  has  within  the  body  a  vast  generator  and  non-conductor 
of  heat  in  the  form  of  adipose  matter.  It  has  been  proved  that 
the  immediate  cause  of  death  in  warm-blooded  animals,  when  food 
has  been  withheld,  was  their  inability  to  keep  up  that  temperature 
necessary  for  the  integrity  of  vital  operations.  The  animal  locateil 
in  an  air-tight  stable  is,  probably,  surrounded  by  an  atmosphere 
almost  equal  in  temperature  to  that  of  his  own  body,  and,  conse- 
quently, he  does  not  require  so  much  food  as  the  former.  Hence, 
the  amount  of  food  necessary  in  the  one  case  might  be  too  much  for 
another,  and,  consequently,  operate  injuriously.  A  cold,  bracing 
wind  is  said  to  "  sharpen  the  appetite."  The  inhabitants  of  north- 
ern regions  require  more  food  than  those  of  the  southern.  A  horse, 
therefore,  of  weak  muscular  organization,  the  subject  of  debility^ 
requires  u  comfortable  stable,  and  food  that  will  develop  muscles. 
"Now,  it  has  been  ascertained  that  horse-beans  contain  more  of  the 
nitro-albuminous  principles  than  any  other  article  of  diet.  Eng- 
lish horses  are  very  partial  to  the  same,  and  in  such  the  develop- 
ment of  muscle  is  very  remarkable;  consequently,  a  fat  horse 
requires  less  of  the  nitro-albuminous  principle,  and  more  of  thfl 
aqueous,  in  the  form  of  carrots,  potatoes,  and  beets. 

It  must  never  be  forgotten  that  some  horses  will  keep  in  fair 
working  order  on  a  moderate  supply  of  aliment.  In  such  cases, 
we  infer  that  the  digestive  organs  are  in  a  stateof  activity  capable 
of  extracting  all  the  nutrient  properties  from  the  same.  On  the 
other  hand,  a  horse  performs  less  work  than  the  former,  consumes 
twice  as  much  food,  yet  actually  loses  flesh.  The  digestive  organs 
9?e  then  at  fault.  A  horse,  however,  may  lose  flesh,  become  weak 
in  the  legs,  etc.,  in  consequence  of  the  laborious  nature  of  his  em- 
plovnient.  Therefore,  any  derangement  occasioned  in  this  way 
[)revents  the  food  from  being  converted  into  healthy  chyme,  chyle, 
oi  l)lood,  and  thus  the  necessary  deposit  of  new  matter  is  pre- 
vented. 

Most  voraciou-  feeders  are  dyspeptic,  and  such  are  almost  never 
free  from  intestinal  worms.  Their  breath  becomes  feted ;  saliva, 
thick  and  tenacious ;  excrement,  slimy ;  and  should  the  subject  be 
fed  on  oats,  the  same  would  be  found,  after  traversing  the  aliment- 
ary canal,  unmaslicated.  The  principal  remedy  for  indigestion  ia 
change  in  diet.  Sometimes  it  may  be  proper  to  allow  scalded  oats, 
although  cookin2:does  not  add  to  their  nutritive  quality,  yet,  mors 


tJENTITlON  AND  DIET.  141 

or  less,  completes  the  destruction  of  organization,  and  better  pre« 
pares  them  for  the  action  of  weak  solvents. 

Chanjres  in  diet  will  sometimes  work  wonders  in  the  restoration 
of  a  dyspeptic ;  yet  he  will  require,  also,  suitable  medicinal  agents, 
in  view  of  augmenting  the  digestive  function,  for  which  pur})oae 
the  following  is  recommended : 

.No.  17.  Fluid  extract  of  chamomile 4  o». 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger 3  oi. 

Powdered  hyposulphite  of  soda 2  oi. 

Water 6  oi. 

Mix. 

Dose,  a  wine-glassful  night  and  morning. 

Changes  in  Diet. 

Sudden  changes  in  diet  are  not  recommended.  For  example^ 
^Jl0uld  an  animal  have  been  previously  fed  on  corn,  meal,  or  oats^ 
,le  should  not  be  turned  out  to  shift  for  himself,  as  the  saying  is, 
and  depend  entirely  on  grass  for  a  living.  Grass  acts  on  horses 
nnaccustomed  to  it  as  an  aperient — scours  them — which  is  a  de- 
bilitating process.  Grass  may  improve  the  health  of  a  fat,  lazy,  or 
huninry  horse — reduce  flesh  and  purify  his  blood;  but  the  emaci- 
ated horse  requires,  in  2.ddition,  a  daily  feed  of  oats  or  cracked 
corn,  to  make  up  for  the  deficiency  of  carbon  in  the  former.  For 
the.se,  and  other  reasons  that  we  might  urge,  the  reader  will  per- 
ceive that  changes  in  diet  can  only  be  made  valuable  in  proportion 
to  our  knowledge  of  the  wants  of  the  animal  economy. 

A  great  proportion  of  our  horses  are  too  well  fed,  obtaining  more 
food  than  they  require.  In  this  land  of  plenty,  most  of  our  valu- 
able horsfft  are  overfed;  and  more  especially  docs  this  happen 
among  aniiiia.;  vned  by  wealthy  and  liberal  individuals.  The 
impression  we  wish  to  convey  to  the  mind  of  the  reader  is,  that 
the  food  of  such  is  not  proportioned  to  labor;  in  other  words, 
there  exists  a  disproportion  between  the  amount  of  carbon  taken, 
in  the  form  of  food,  and  the  oxygen  received,  in  the  process  of 
respiration.  Now,  to  illustrate  this,  we  will  suppose  that  a  man 
engaged  in  merciintile  pursuits  owns  one  or  more  horses.  lie  haa 
not  the  time  nor  inclinuiion  to  give  the  one  or  the  other  the  neces- 
sary amount  of  exercise.  They  stand  up  to  a  full  crib,  from  day 
10  day,  enjoying    or,  rather,  gorging  themselves  with,  a  certain 


142  LADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEKV. 

amouut  of  fodder  over  and  above  what  they  actually  require, 
and  much  more  than  they  really  need.  The  surplus  is  often  stored 
up  in  the  form  of  fat,  and  this  induces  acute  diseases,  and  they  die 
of  too  much  food  and  care.  It  is  very  rare  that  we  have  occasion 
io  recommend  a  man  to  feed  his  horse  more  liberally,  but  almost 
always  the  reverse.  Starvation  is  said  to  be  the  cause  for  many 
equine  diseases ;  but,  so  far  as  our  experience  goes,  such  cases  are, 
n  this  country,  very  rare.  AVe  conceive  the  term  starvation  to  oe 
a  libel  upon  civilization ;  and  so  unfrequent  is  its  application  among 
a  nation  of  husbandmen,  that  it  is  omitted  in  our  dictionaries.  A 
man  on  a  barren  rock,  or  a  horse  in  the  deserts  of  Arabia,  might 
probably  starve;  but  the  idea  of  the  latter  starving  in  the  vicinity 
of  a  well-stocked  barn  or  stable,  within  striking  distance  of  a  land 
of  plenty,  seems  to  us  a  very  absurd  conclusion.  There  are  enoug}- 
horses  to  be  found  dressed  up  in  the  garb  of  starvation,  having 
tight  skins,  prominent  ribs,  and  a  cadaverorit^  countenance,  living, 
vet  half  dead.  But  they  know  nothing  of  the  "  famine  in  Egypt  ;'* 
they  get  not  only  enough,  but  too  much  of  the  same  kind.  They 
probably  require  a  change  in  diet,  or  else  they  are  confirmed  dys- 
peptics, laboring  under  a  chronic  form  of  indigestion ;  and  if  such 
should  be  the  case,  quantity  is  objectionable,  and  good  quality  more 
desirable.  The  stomach,  however,  is  not  at  fault,  its  function  being 
deranged.  Or  they  probably  get  enough,  and  perhaps  too  mudb, 
for  a  weak  stomach ;  hence  loss  of  flesh,  etc. 

Some  men  are  in  the  habit  of  bleeding  their  horses  evci/  spring. 
This  is  done  in  view  of  reducing  fat  and  flesh,  ths  subjects  being 
humory  (jilethoric),  their  systems  abounding  In  highly  carbonized 
blood,  which  is  proof  positive  that  the  ..ame  have  been  overfed. 
The  racer,  before  he  can  perform  a  C^at  of  speed,  must  be  prepared, 
as  the  saying  is.  This  implies  bleeding  and  physicking.  Some 
works  on  farriery  lay  do\yu  regular  rules  for  putting  a  horse  in 
racing  condition,  ii%4  Sae  remedies  are  fleam,  physic,  and  bran, 
proof  positive  that  rfuch  animals  have  had  too  bounteous  a  supply 
of  nutrlmentc 

Some  kor^s — and  the  same  is  true  of  man — grow  poor  in  con- 
sequence of  having  to  carry  about  a  juvenile  restaurant  within  their 
digestive  organs.  They  probably  become  exhausted,  or  plethoric, 
^ .,  the  case  may  be,  in  consequence  of  an  overburdened  stomach. 
A  stomach  overburdened  reacts  on  the  nervous  system,  deranges 
the  physiol(^ical  condition  of  the  subject,  and  lays  the  foundation 


DENTITION  AND  DIET  1>43 

for  hypeitrophy  (which  is  an  abnormal  increase  of  fat  or  tissue), 
or  the  opposite,  which  condition  is  known  as  atrophy — a  wasting 
of  the  same.  But  most  frequently  an  overburdened  stomach  in- 
ducer diseases  known  as  staggers,  cerebral  congestion,  softening 
of  brain,  etc. 

Many  horse  owners  are  continually  devising  means  to  excite  the 
appetite  of  their  horses,  in  order  to  get  as  much  food  as  possible 
into  their  stomachs.  Some  men  seem  to  think  that  an  error  iu 
this  direction  can  never  occur;  and  should  the  animal  refuse  to 
consume  the  abundance  thus  placed  before  him,  the  liberal  owner 
is  apt  to  consider  his  pet  sick,  or  think  that  he  must  have  a  poor 
appetite.  Xow,  it  were  far  better,  for  both  man  and  horse  if  the 
former  would  only  experiment  in  the  opposite  direction,  and 
as-'-ertain  how  small  a  quantity  a  horse  may  subsist  on.  A  small 
quantity  of  good  food,  well  digested,  answers  the  purpose  of  nu- 
trition much  better  than  a  large  quantity,  imperfectly  so.  It  ia 
V';ry  interesting  to  contemplate  how  efficient  a  little  food  proves 
f:r  the  promotion  of  health  and  longevity.  For  example,  a  little 
Durley  and  coarse  fodder  will  suffice  for  the  "  courser  of  the  desert." 
Shetland  and  Welsh  ponies  will  live  and  grow  fat  on  the  mere 
vestiges  of  vegetation.  The  best  cow  in  the  world — the  property 
of  J.  H.  Kelly,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  weighing  1,350  pounds — ia 
fed  exclusively  on  hay  and  straw.  Very  poor  fodder  some  may 
exclaim ;  yet  in  the  course  of  ten  months  the  same  creature  yielded 
4,921  quarts  of  milk,  and  during  a  single  month,  after  calving, 
she  gave  620  quarts,  and  the  least  she  gave  during  the  winter 
months  was  562  quarts.  A  pig  will  grow  fat  on  small  quantities 
( ^'  the  right  kind  of  food,  and  yet  lose  flesh  when  suffered  to  gorge 
himself  with  the  same.  Many  swine,  in  the  vicinity  of  coal  mines, 
consume  both  coal  and  charcoal,  and  little  else,  yet  they  thrive 
^ell. 

Evidences  can  be  furnished  going  to  show  that  both  the  superior 
and  inferior  orders  of  creation  might  subsist  on  much  less  food 
than  they  are  in  the  habit  of  using,  and  without  danger  to  them- 
selves. Shipwrecked  marmers  have  been  known  to  exist  st  voral 
weeks  without  food;  and  there  is  a  man  now  residing  in  Illinois, 
who,  during  a  period  of  thirty-two  days,  never  tasted  food.  The 
6J9ei)ing  man  of  Rochester  is  another  example;  and  a  ca.so  is 
recorded  in  one  of  our  medical  journals  showing  that  an  individual 
onoe  lived  for  several  months  on  nothing  but  jture  water.     As 


144      DADD'S  VETERlNAKi  jiibx))\.i1Si^   AND  SURGERY. 

regards  horses,  they  form  no  exception  to  this  peculiarity.  We 
might  introduce  evidence,  convincing  and  positive,  of  their  ability 
to  endure  the  privations  of  hunger,  and,  at  the  same  time,  rno-vv 
that  they  suffer  but  little  from  its  eifects.  A  single  case  will  serve 
io  illustrate  this.  We  once  treated  a  case  of  tetanus  (lock-jaw). 
Ihe  subject  never  tasted  food  during  a  period  of  sixteen  days;  on 
the  seventeenth  the  masseters  relaxed,  and  the  faculty  cf  swallow- 
ins"  returned.  At  this  period  we  might  supjoose  him  to  be  "  hungiy 
as  a  bear,"  yet,  on  offering  him  a  few  oats,  he  did  not  appear  to  be 
very  ravenous,  and  partook  of  food  subsequently  ofi'ercd  him  as  if 
nothing  had  happened.  These  are  extreme  cases,  yet  they  go  to 
show  that  there  is  no  cause  for  alarm  because  a  horse  happens  to 
be  "  off  his  feed  "  once  in  awhile.  Such  condition  may  ultimately 
prove  salutary,  affording  the  stomach  and  its  associates  time  to  rest 
from  their  herculean  labors. 

The  fact  that  most  of  our  adult  horses  get  more  food  than  they 
need  has  been  demonstrated  by  analysis  of  their  excrement,  which 
has  been  found  to  contain  a  large  amount  of  nutritious  materia 
over  and  above  what  the  animals  actually  need.  We  can  develop 
the  gormandizing  powers  of  very  many  horses,  by  placing  before 
tnem,  from  day  to  day,  more  than  they  require.  Their  appetites, 
like  some  of  ours,  are  not  proof  against  temptation ;  and  the  diges- 
tive organs  may  be  trained  to  dispose  of  twice  the  quantity  of  food 
actually  needed,  and  the  habit,  at  first  acquired,  becomes  perma- 
ment,  and  the  creature  is  known  as  a  voracious  feeder — a  glutton 
Hence,  through  indiscretions  of  this  character,  we  can  augment 
both  function  and  capacity  of  stomach.  We  remember  examining 
the  stomach  of  a  horse,  the  property  of  a  baker,  who  was  in  the 
hal>it  of  feeding  the  former  on  brown  brcud.  The  animal  died  of 
chronic  indigestion,  and  his  stomach  exceeded  in  capacity  that  of 
two  orainary  horses.  Great  care,  therefore,  is  requisite  in  regard 
CO  the  pro}ier  feeding  of  horses ;  for,  in  their  domesticated  state^ 
they  have  lost  those  natural  instincts  which  serve  to  inform  the 
untamed  animal  of  the  necessary  amount  of  food  which  his  system 
needs,  and  they  are  in  the  condition  of  a  thoughtless  child  that 
will  eat  all  day,  and,  on  retiring  to  bed,  will  crave  and  cry  for 
more. 

Our  readers  have  probably  heard  of  the  gormandizing  propensi- 
ties of  natives  in  the  arctic  regions.  Some  of  them  ih'ink  nothing 
cf  bolting  down  twenty  pounds  of  meat  and  oil  per  day,  aJi«^ 


OiiJNXlTION  ANJ>  DIET,  143 

making  a  good  supper  ou  tallow  candles.  A  case  is  related,  by 
Captain  Cochrane,  of  a  Russian  who  ate,  in  the  course  of  twenty- 
four  hours,  the  hind-quarter  of  an  ox,  twenty  poands  of  fat,  and 
drank  a  quantity  cf  melted  butter.  He  also  states  that  he  has 
seen  three  gluttons  consume  a  deer  at  one  meal.  But  we  need  not 
go  beyond  our  own  immediate  vicinity  to  prove  that  the  gorman- 
dizing powers  of  both  men  and  horses  are  equally  extraordinary. 
The  corn-dealer's  bill  furnishes  one  illustration;  and  the  length- 
ened meal  which  some  of  our  young  men  indulge  in,  commencing 
in  the  morning  and  only  ending  at  night,  completes  the  evidence. 
Hence,  with  these  facts  before  us,  we  may  safely  conclude  that 
errors  in  diet  are  constantly  occurring,  and,  consequently,  a  great 
many  unnecessary  diseases  arise  in  consequence;  therefore,  we 
recommend  our  readers  to  make  an  experiment  in  the  opposite 
direction,  and  ascertain  how  small  a  quantity  of  good  food  will 
answer  the  purpose  of  nutrition.  Should  the  quantity  be  insuf- 
ficient for  the  animal's  wants,  we  shall  soon  be  made  aware  of  tie 
fact  by  loss  of  flesh  and  other  unmistakable  signs.  On  the  other 
nand,  the  error  alluded  to  is  not  so  easily  corrected ;  for  the  animal 
may  die,  overburdened  with  fat,  of  an  acute  disease,  before  we  can 
reduce  his  system. 

Conclusion. 

The  reader  will  perceive  that  in  the  management  and  feeding 
of  horses  there  opens  a  fine  field  of  observation  and  improvement; 
yet,  in  order  to  apply  that  unlimited  power  which  man  seems  to 
possess  over  his  own  organization  and  that  of  the  inferior  orders 
of  creation,  he  must  be  conversant  with  animal  physiology ;  for 
on  this  science  alone  do  we  base  the  problem  of  life. 

Now,  reader,  after  having  presented  this  essay  for  your  consider- 
ation, pray  do  not  find  fault  with  the  stable-keeper  because  your 
horse  does  not  look  fat  and  sleek.  You  had  better  trust  to  the 
discretion  of  the  man  who,  having  been  long  in  the  stable  busineeo, 
is  perhaps  better  qualified  than  yourself  to  judge  of  the  effects  of 
food  under  the  states  of  rest  and  exercise,  and  knows  how  to  grad- 
uate the  same  accordingly.  We  frequently  have  occasion  to  notice 
that  horses  owned  by  stable-keepers  are  never  so  fat  as  the  board- 
era — a  very  good  proof  that  the  latter  get  more  than  they  require. 
Some  men  are  in  the  habit  of  ordering  a  given  quantity,  say  six 
or  twelve  quarts,  of  oats  at  a  feed,  whenever  they  put  uj),  and  'he 
10 


146  UADD'S  VEltKlNAKi   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERT. 

feeder  gives  it.  At  the  same  time  he  is  well  aware  that  the  animal 
does  not  need  it,  yet  he  must  obey  orders;  for  should  he  suggest 
that  the  quantity  be  too  great,  his  motive  may  be  questioned,  and 
wrong  inferences  drawn.  Depend  upon  it,  therefore,  that  when 
the  stabler,  by  a  judicious  system  of  feeding,  prevents  fat  from  ac- 
cumulating on  horses,  he  is  conferring  a  favor  on  his  patrons  and 
benefiting  the  animal. 

A.S  regards  the  number  of  meals  per  day,  our  own  observation* 
satisfy  us  that  working  horses  require  three  meals  per  day — a 
bountiful,  yet  very  early  breakfast;  at  noon,  a  light  meal,  com- 
posed of  cut  hay  and  oats ;  and  at  night  the  quantity  may  be  in- 
creased equal  to  the  morning  meal.  It  is  very  poor  policy  to  feed 
or  water  on  the  road  when  performing  a  short  journey ;  yet,  should 
a  horse  seem  to  stand  Jn  need  of  something,  we  should  not  object 
to  a  handiiil  of  oats  and  a  few  swallows  of  water  oocaaionally. 


^^^ 

^T^ 

P^^^ 

R^?©^^ 
^^^ 

^ 

^^ 

^ 

^^ 

SECTION   VI. 

GLANDERS    AND    FARCY. 

GtANDERS — Glanders  can  be  communicated  to  Man — Co»taqiod8»m»  of 
Glanders— Suspected  Glanders — How  camb  the  Disease  to  be  callkb 
Glanders? — Diagnostic  Symptom  of  Glanders — Treatment  or  Qlandes*— 
Farcy  (Disease  of  the  Absorbents). 

Glanders. 

ONE  of  the  greatest  evils  which  farmers  and  horse-dealers  have 
been  subjected  to,  during  the  prevalence  of  our  hite  nationa. 
troubles,  was  the  sale  of  condemned  army  horses,  many  of  them 
beino-  afflicted,  either  insidiously  or  actually,  with  that  form  of 
equine  affection  known  as  glanders;  for  it  is  a  well-known  fact 
that  this  terrible  malady  is,  under  certain  circumstances  or  con- 
ditions of  the  animal  economy,  both  infectious  and  contagious, 
hence  the  great  evil. 

For  example,  should  a  glandered  horse  be  i)laced  in  a  stable 
where  the  principles  of  ventilation  and  of  the  admission  of  light 
Are  entirely  disregarded,  the  other  inmates  of  the  den,  by  continu- 
ally breathing,  over  and  over  again,  the  contaminated  atmosphere 
which  must  necessarily  occupy  the  same,  will  (provided  their  sys- 
tems are  susceptible)  take  the  disease  by  infection ;  that  is  to  say, 
the  miasmatic  virus  finds  an  introduction  into  the  blood  through 
the  lungs  and  pulmonary  circulation.  On  the  other  hand,  glanders^ 
under  almost  ever}'  circumstance,  can  be  communicated  by  con- 
tagion or  touch ;  that  is,  bringing  the  glandered  na.sal  discharge  in 
contact  with  an  abraded  surface,  including  cuts  and  scratches. 

Glanders  can  be  communicated  to  Man. 

Within  the  last  quarter  of  this  centur}',  two  veterinary  sur- 
geons— one  residing  in  AValwortli,  and  th(>  other  in  Wolverhamp- 


148 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEULCINE  AND  SURGERY. 


ton — are  reported  as  having  died  from  inoculation  of  glanders. 
This  terrible  disease  is  not  often  seen  in  Scotland,  but  very  fre- 
quently in  England,  and  still  more  so  in  Ireland.  From  tiie  latter 
circumstance,  the  malady  is  often  found  to  be  imported  about  the 
west  coast  of  Scotland.  London  has  always  been  rather  renowned 
for  the  prevalence  of  glanders  among  omnibus,  cab,  and  other 


jBCnoB  OF  A  house's  head  showing  ulceration  of  the  suhneiderian  uembbabb, 

CONSTITCTES  THE   DlAQNObTlC   SYMPTOM  OF  GLANDERS. 

E!xrLA!iATiOR. — On  contrasting  the  above  picture  with  the  one  on  the  opposite  pcge*  the 
tMder  will  perceiTe,  in  the  above,  a  number  of  dark  spots  on  the  lining  membnme  of  the 
BOM  (sciineiderian),  showing  the  cbamcreous  ulcerations  which  oonstitate  the  dlAgnostitt 
lymptoms  of  glanders. 

L  The  cerebrum,  or  anterior  portion  of  the  brain. 

5.  The  cerebellum,  or  posterior  portion  of  the  brain. 
8.  The  spinal  cord. 

4.  Shows  a  section  of  the  cerrical  Tertebrso,  or  bones  of  the  neok. 

6.  The  OBsophagas. 
6.  The  windpipe. 
T.  The  tongue. 

•.  Section  of  the  occipital  bone. 

10.  The  schneiderian  membrane. 

11.  A  muscle  known  as  the  stemo  mazillarias.  It  is  located  beneath  the  neok^  and  )i  txh 
nrted  into  the  angle  of  the  lower  Jaw  and  the  ftont  part  of  the  breast  bone.  Its  aotioE  is  t» 
•Id  in  dosing  the  month  and  drawing  the  bead  downward  toward  the  breast;  oo«  mnaolt  MV 
tug  draws  the  head  to  one  side. 

12.  The  frontal  sinnses. 

IS.  Section  of  the  anterior  portion  of  the  apper  jaw. 

14.  The  hard  palate. 

ISl  The  strong  ligament  of  the  spine  known  as  the  ligamenttun  sofflaTlam. 

le.  Section  of  the  inferior  portion  of  the  cervical  vertebra 

.iorses.  A  very  strict  supervision  is  maintained,  and  all  glandered 
Worses  are  destroyed  when  discovered;  but  nevertheless  we  can 
state,  on  good  authority,  that  the  omnibus  horses  of  London  have 
lufleied  very  severely  from  this  disease,  and  do  so  atilL     The  pa^ 


GLANDERS  AND  FARCY. 


149 


tial  measures  fidoptcd  by  companies  are  not  sufficient  to  eradicate 
it,  and  tlic  "glandcred  night  train"  is  not  altogether  a  thing  of  the 
past.  The  danger  to  human  lite  is  so  great  that  we  feel  happy  to 
seize  anv  opportunity  to  urge  the  adoption  of  the  most  effectual 
measures  for  the  suppression  of  any  practice  which  tends  to  pro- 
long the  life  of  the  glandered  horse. 


SECTION   OF  A    HORSE'S   HEAD   IN   A  HEALTHY   CONDITION— ITS   ANATOMY. 

Description.— a  The  lining  inemnrnne  nr  uie  nose,  known  as  the  schneiderian  membrane. 
On  its  surface  are  seen  the  vessels  which  furnish  it  with  arterial  blood. 
b  The  anterior  portion  of  the  brain,  known  as  the  cerebrum. 
c  The  posterior  portion  of  the  brain,  known  as  the  cerebellum. 
d  The  frontal  sinuses, 
e  The  tongue. 

/  Showinsi  the  velum  palate,  or  soft  palate. 
g  The  back  part  of  the  mouth. 
h  The  pharynx,  or  top  of  the  oesophagus. 
t  The  epiglottis,  or  cartilage  at  the  root  of  the  tongue. 
)■  The  glottis,  or  opening  into  the  windpipe. 
1-  The  tesophagus,  or  gullet. 
I  The  trachea,  or  windpipe. 
m  The  spinal  cord. 

M  Junction  of  the  cerebellum  with  the  spinal  cord. 
op  Showing  a  section  of  the  cervical  vertebrse,  or  bones  of  the  neck. 
The  dotted  lines  between  a  and  g,  show  the  direction  leading  to  the  trachea  and  oesophagus 

A  flital  case  of  glander,  reported  in  the  Baltimore  "  Herald  of 
Reform,"  is  as  follows :  Mr.  I.  P.  Burns,  a  grocer,  died  a  horrible 
death  in  that  city  in  consequence  of  poi.son  comnuinicatcd  to  his 
ejstem  from  a  horse  afflicted  with  glanders.  During  the  admin- 
istration of  medicine,  Mr.  Burns  thrust  into  the  animal's  mouth 
his  hand,  a  finger  of  which  had  been  previou.sly  cut,  and  tlic  floh 
laid  open.  Through  this  wound  the  virus  was  absorbed,  and  mor- 
tification supervened.     A  surgeon  was  called  upon  to  am])utate 


•60  OAUD'S  VRrERINAUr  MEDICINJL  AND  SURGERi". 

the  discard  member.  Perceiving,  however,  that  the  poison  ha^ 
penetrated  to  every  portion  of  the  unfortunate  man's  system,  he 
declined  performing  the  operation,  and  stated  that  no  earthly  skill 
could  save  him.  After  lingering  in  great  agony,  death  closed  the 
scene. 

Death  of  a  Russian  Lady  from  Glanders. — The  awful  death 
of  Madame  Palesikoff,  one  of  the  most  charming  among  all  that 
bevy  of  entertaining  Russian  ladies  who  sometimes  gladden  the 
winters  of  Paris,  has  created  a  terrible  Jiock  among  the  circles 
she  so  lately  embellished  by  her  presence.  The  unhappy  lady  left 
Paris  but  a  short  time  ago  on  a  summer  tour  to  Germany.  AVhile 
step2)ing  from  the  door  of  the  opera-house  in  Berlin,  to  gain  her 
carriage,  she  let  fall  one  of  her  bracelets  close  to  the  pavement. 
Stooping  to  pick  it  up,  she  noticed,  at  the  time,  laughingly,  that 
*'  one  of  the  horses  belonging  to  a  carriage  standing  at  hand, 
dropped  his  head  so  close  to  her  face  that  he  touched  her,  and  left 
a  moist  kiss  upon  her  cheek."  In  a  few  days  the  unfortunate  lady 
was  taken  ill  with  that  most  horrible  disease,  glanders,  and  in  a  few 
Jays  more,  breathed  her  last,  in  spite  of  the  attendance  of  the  first 
physicians  of  Berlin  lud  every  resource  to  be  obtained  by  wealthy 
or  by  the  ceaseless  vigilance  of  friends.* 

St'dl  another  case. — Sidney  W.  M.,  aged  23,  a  horse-slaughterer, 
••esiding  at  Plumstead,  England,  was  admitted  into  Guy's  Hos- 
pital, on  March  13, 1861,  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Birkett.  He  had 
always  enjoyed  good  healtli,  but  he  lived  freely.  Six  days  pre- 
vious to  his  admission  he  cut  his  right  hand  deeply  over  the  dorsal 
aspect  of  the  thumb.  The  wound  bled  freely,  but  he  felt  no  in- 
convenience from  it,  of  any  consequence,  until  the  10th.  He  then 
had  pain  in  the  part,  extending  upward  to  the  axilla,  and  also  a 
numbing  pain  in  the  calf  of  the  right  leg.  His  appetite  was  good, 
and  he  had  so  little  constitutional  disturbance  that  he  went  a3 
usual  to  superintend  the  work  which  the  accident  had  prevented 
his  carrying  out.  On  the  11th  the  pain  in  the  arm  increased^  and 
that  in  the  leg,  on  the  12th,  extended  upward  to  the  thigh.  This 
had  become  considerably  aggravated,  and  he  then  became  gener- 
ally indisposed,  and  was  unable  to  stand.  The  following  day  he 
applied  for  admission.  He  stated  that  he  was  extremely  ill,  and 
that  his  limbs  felt  almost  paralyzed.     He  was  quite  unable  to 

*  Rerlin  Court  Journal. 


GLANDERS  AND  FARTT.  151 

itaud.  He  had  constant  rigors,  a  burning  skin,  white  tongue,  and 
his  pulse  was  I'iO.  The  wound  in  tlie  hand  was  inflamed,  and 
the  calf  of  the  right  leg  and  the  thigh  were  swollen,  and  evidently 
the  seats  of  abscesses.  These  were  freely  opened,  with  relief  He 
was  ordered  effervescing  medicine,  and  two  pints  cf  porter.  The 
case  was  then  regarded  as  one  of  pyaemia.  On  the  14th  he  waa 
much  relieved.  He  had  slept  tolerably.  The  abscesses  discharged 
freely,  and  he  was  able  to  take  his  food.  On  the  15th  he  was  seized 
with  vomiting,  bringing  up  a  dark  bilious  fluid.  His  powers  were 
less.  Wine  was  given  freely.  On  the  16th  the  vomiting  continued, 
and  he  complained  of  a  pain  in  the  left  thigh.  An  abscess  was  dis- 
covered, on  examination,  which  M'as  freely  opened.  The  man,  at 
this  time,  was  physically  in  a  very  low  condition.  He  took  brandy, 
eggs,  and  other  liquid  nourishment  with  avidity.  His  manner  was 
peculiar,  and  somewhat  excited.  On  the  17th  another  abscess  was 
opened  in  the  left  arm.  On  the  18th  the  left  foot  became  the  seal 
of  an  abscess,  and  on  the  19th,  for  the  first  time,  a  pustular  erup- 
tion was  observed  on  the  face  and  body,  which  suggested  to  IVIr. 
Birkett  the  probability  that  some  animal  poison  was  the  cause  of 
all  this  mischief. 

The  eruption  was  peculiar,  having  no  definite  shape.  It  ap- 
peared to  be  more  like  small  irregular  blebs,  containing  juis,  vary- 
ing fi-om  the  size  of  a  pea  to  a  sixpence.  Some  were  round,  others 
oval,  and  others  of  an  irregular  form.  Toward  evening,  also,  his 
breathing  became  much  impaired,  a  bloody  mucus  obstru(;ting  the 
nostrils.  Toward  night  he  became  delirious;  his  powers  became 
less,  the  nasal  discharge  more  profuse,  and  at  1,30,  on  the  20th,  he 
died.  The  eruption,  some  hours  before  his  death,  in  parts,  had 
disappeared ;  but  in  others  a  fresh  crop  sprang  up,  particularly 
over  the  region  of  the  sternum.  These  were,  however,  of  the 
pame  character,  but  smaller.  No  post-mortem  examination  waa 
made.* 

CONTAOTOUSNESS   OP   G LANDERS. 

Mr.  Percivall  submits  the  following  deductions,  regarding 
the  contagiousness  of  glanders,  as  the  result  of  facta  gleaned  from 
his  own  experience : 

"  1.  That  farcy  and  glanders,  w  lich  constitute  the  same  disease, 

•  Medical  Times  and  Gazette 


152  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

are  propagated  through  the  medium  of  stabling,  and  this  we  heliev* 
to  be  tlie  more  usual  way  in  which  the  disease  is  communicated 
jfrom  horse  to  horse. 

2.  That  infected  stabling  may  harbor  and  retain  the  infection 
for  months,  or  even  years;  and  although,  by  thoroughly  cleansing 
and  making  use  of  disinfecting  means,  the  contagion  might  be 
destroyed,  yet  it  would  not  be  wise  to  occupy  such  stables  imme- 
diately after  such  supposed  or  alleged  disinfection. 

3.  That  the  virus,  or  poison  of  glanders,  may  lie  for  months,  in 
a  state  of  incubation,  in  the  horse's  constitution  before  the  dlsea.** 
breaks  out.     Of  this  we  have  had  the  most  positive  evidence. 

4.  That  when  a  stable  of  horses  becomes  contaminated,  the  dis- 
ease often  makes  fearful  ravages  among  them  before  it  quits ;  and 
it  is  only  after  a  period  of  several  months  exemption  from  all  dis- 
ease of  the  kind  that  a  clean  bill  of  health  can  be  rendered." 

From  the  preceding  evidence,  it  is  probable  that  the  reader  will 
entertain  but  little  doubt  of  the  contagious  character  of  the  malady  j 
yet  it  is  very  important  that  every  one,  either  directly  or  indirectlf 
interested  in  horses,  or  having  any  regard  for  the  welfare  of  man  • 
kind,  should  be  familiar  with  all  that  is  important  and  useful  ai 
regards  the  cause  and  nature  of  the  awful  malady  now  under  con- 
sideration. It  is  often  mistaken  for  other  diseases  that  (in  so  far 
as  contagion  is  concerned)  are  perfectly  harmless;  yet  many  valu- 
able human  lives  have  paid  the  forfeit,  and  many  priceless  animaU 
have  been  sacrificed  on  an  altar  of  ignorance  which  the  light  of 
science  has  but  recently  illuminated.  Hence,  correct  information 
is  what  the  people  require,  in  consequence  of  the  emergency  of  the 
peril ;  and  this  is  what  the  author  aims  at  in  offering  this  article 
for  the  consideration  of  the  reader. 

Many  hundreds  of  times,  during  the  professional  career  of  the 
author,  have  horses  been  brought  to  him  for  treatment,  declared 
by  their  owners  to  be  the  subjects  of  glanders,  simply  because  they 
had  enlarged  glands  under  the  jaw,  and  a  nasal  discharge;  an 
by  the  successful  treatment  of  the  same,  he  has  got  the  credit  of 
curing  glaiiders,  a  feat  which  he  never  pretends  to  have  accom- 
plished. Mr.  Gamgee  has  very  lucidly  illustrated  this  part  ot 
*he  argument,  as  regards  the  mistakes  made  in  diagnosing  ghindera 
He  states  that  glanders  may  be  suspected,  instead  of  being  a  real- 
ity; hence,  many  supposed  cures  are  on  record.  The  folhiwiu^ 
are  his  remarks,  under  the  caption  of  "suspected  glanders": 


GLANDERS  AND  FARCY.  163 

"Glanders  is,  fortunately,  a  rare  disease  in  this  countr}'  (Scot- 
land), thanks  to  the  pole-ax.  Englishmen  have  long  since  advo- 
cated and  practiced  the  shooting  of  suspected  animals,  rather  than 
trusting  the  lives  of  men  and  horses  to  the  chances  of  escape, 
wherever  cases  of  chronic  nasal  discharge  are  met  with.  The  com- 
mand officer  and  veterinarian  of  a  British  cavalry  regiment  would 
(•<  nsid?r  it  a  great  disgrace  if  such  a  disease  acquired  any  firm  hold 
in  their  stables  ;  and  in  spite  of  occasional  introductions  of  the  dis- 
*>Gse  when  a  number  of  remounts  may  be  purchased,  the  unrelent- 
ing order  to  kill  rather  than  attempt  to  cure,  saves  the  public  purse 
and  the  reputation  of  those  responsible  for  the  health  and  condi- 
tion of  our  troop  horses.  I  am  as  great  an  advocate  for  the 
slaughter  of  glandered  horses  as  I  am  for  the  slaughter  of  cattle 
affected  with  rinderpest.  Glanders  is  more  incurable  than  the 
cattle  plague,  as  not  even  ten  per  cent,  recover,  but  its  commu- 
nication is  less  certain  and  swift.  It  never  could  and  never  did 
destroy  its  tens  of  thousands  over  a  country  in  the  short  space 
of  time  in  which  the  steppe  murrain  spreads  over  the  land,  but 
it  is,  nevertheless,  wise  and  proper  to  stamp  it  out.  We  have  not 
indulged,  as  do  our  neighbors  the  French — who  manage  thia 
matter,  at  all  events,  worse  than  we — in  wild  theories  as  to  the 
transmissibility  of  acute  and  not  of  chronic  glanders.  We  admit 
it  to  be  always  contagious  and  always  deadly,  and  prevent  it  kill- 
ing by  shooting  its  v'  '<"inis. 

Nasal  Gleet. 

We  nuist  not,  however,  forget  that  there  are  hundreds — nay, 
thousands — of  cases  of  chronic  nasal  discharge  which  admit  of 
some  (lii'gnosis  on  the  part  of  skilled  veterinarians,  and  which 
are  erroneously  set  down  as  cases  of  glanders.  Many  of  these 
cases  are  condemned  because  they  baffle  the  attempts  to  restore 
them  for  a  great  length  of  time;  and,  unfortunately,  in  this 
country  many  forms  of  nasal  disease  have  been  rarely  cured, 
8imj)ly  because  their  nature  has  not  been  understood,  and  bold 
surgical  operations  have  been  dreaded.  I  could  relate  the  histo- 
ries of  many  cases  which  have  yielded  to  radical  measures  after 
several  veterinarians  had  pronounced  the  animals  incurably  gland- 
ered- -more  to  get  rid  of  them,  perhaps,  than  from  a  conviction 
that  they  were  suffering  from  the  disease.  I  have  seen  as  many 
a?  lialf  a  dozen  animals,  in  a  stable  containing  a  score  of  horses. 


Afi4  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

gicen  u^  by  jDractitioners  because  they  had  chronic  discharge  and 
swollen  glands,;  and  in  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  all  the  animaL 
have  recovered  under  the  influence  of  nasal  injections,  and  the 
internal  administration  of  tonics. 

It  is  impossible  to  enter  into  details  as  to  the  diagnosis  of  a 
groat  variety  of  cures.  I  may  mention,  however,  that  the  curable 
disoh{:rges  set  out  as  incurable  forms  of  glanders  may  be  grGaped 
under  six  heads. 

1st.  Fetid  discharges  from  the  nostril,  owing  to  a  carious  tooth 
and  caries  of  the  upper  jaw.     The  fetor  is  characteristic. 

2d.  Intermittent  discharges  from  an  abscess  in  one  of  the  tur- 
binated bones  within  the  nasal  chamber.  The  swelling  of  the 
nasal  bones  and  flow  of  pus  when  the  head  is  jerked  upward  are 
diagnostic. 

3d.  Continuous  or  intermittent  discharge  from  one  or  both 
nostrils,  from*  accumulations  of  pus  in  the  frontal  and  superior 
maxillary  sinuses,  indicated  by  the  shape  of  the  forehead  and  ab- 
sence of  r8sonance  on  percussion. 

4th.  Irregular  discharge  from  the  guttural  pouches,  brought 
on  by  exercise,  or  seen  when  an  animal  is  made  to  eat  hay,  oatsi, 
^  turnip,  or  carrots  off  the  ground.  As  the  head  is  depressed  and 
jerked,  a  somewhat  fetid  and  often  abundant  purulent  matter 
flows  freely. 

5th.  Discharges  kept  up  by  foreign  objects  in  the  posterior 
uares,  which  are  continuous  and  fetid. 

6th.  Chronic  regular  nasal  discharge — pure  ozena — dependent 
3n  constitutional  causes  and  defective  management  of  acute  ca- 
tarrh. 

All  the  foregoing  varieties  include  the  innumerable  cases  (tf 
8us})ected  glanders  for  which  animals  are  wrongfully  destroyed. 
It  is  not  every  practitioner  who  can  or  would  venture  to  open  the 
guttural  pouches,  or  practice  dissection  on  the  bones  of  the  face  tc 
such  an  extent  as  we  find  requisite  in  overcoming  deformities  and 
curing  long-standing  diseases.  The  longer  these  cases  are  treated 
by  any  but  the  right  plan,  the  greater  the  difficulties  encountered 
when  surgical  operations  are  determined  upon ;  and  for  this  reason 
even  those  who  would  not  dare  to  cut  sliould  always  strive  cor- 
rectly to  diagnose  the  form  of  disease  presenting  itself.  It  is  nol 
necessary  to  refer  at  greater  length  to  the  method  of  dealing  witt 
the  veiy  various  forms  of  disease  above  indicated." 


aLANDERS  AND  FARCY.  166 


How  CAME  THE  DISEASE  TO  BE  CALLED  Gl^NDER8. 

Percr'^all  is  our  authority  for  the  following  explanation 
''The  derivation  of  our  word  glanders  is  traceable  through  the 
French  language,  from  which  we  appear  tc  have  borrowed  it,  to 
the  Latin  roots  glandula  and  glatis,  the  latter  signifying  any  fruii 
Jrernel,  such  as  a  chestnut  or  acorn ;  the  former,  its  diminutive, 
any  small  fruit  kernel;  and  both  afterward  used  in  medicine  to 
denote  the  glands  of  the  body,  many  of  which — such  as  were  then 
80  called — are  small  and  comparable,  both  in  shape  and  size,  to 
acorns  or  other  kernels.  Celsus  applies  the  term  glandula  to  a 
swelling  in  the  neck,  supposed  to  be  glandular;  and  A'^egetius 
OSes  the  same  to  denote  swollen  glands  'between  the  cheek-bones 
and  lower  jaws : '  from  his  saying,  however,  that  the  glandidea  are 
'especially  troublesome  to  foales/  it  would  appear  the  disease  he 
meant  to  describe  was  not  glanders,  but  strangles.  The  French 
veterinarians,  following  the  ancient  phraseology,  called  a  horse 
exhibiting  any  submaxillary  tumor  or  enlargement,  glande ;  not 
with  any  special  reference  to  glanders,  but  simply  because  his 
glands  or  '  kernels,'  as  our  farriers  denominate  them,  had  become 
enlarged;  hence,  with  the  French,  a  horse  was  said  to  be  glande 
de  goiLi'me,  as  well  as  glande  de  morve  and  glande  de  farcin.  It 
seems  to  have  been  our  English  writers  on  farriery  who  have 
restricted  the  application  of  the  term  to  the  foul  and  malignant 
disease  now  known  under  that  appellation.  Before  then,  glanders 
appears  to  have  had  no  other  meaning  save  that  the  horse  had  tu- 
rrefied  glands,  or  that,  in  the  farrier's  phrase,  *  his  kernels  had 
come  down.'  The  French  call  the  disease  la  morve.  A  horse, 
however,  in  the  estimation  of  Lafosse,  is  not  to  be  regarded  as 
having  la  morve  propremcnt  dlte,  unless  he  be  glande,  or  have  tu- 
mefaction of  his  glands." 

Diagnostic  Symptonhs  of  Glanders. — Glanders  consists  in  i  dis- 
charge, from  one  or  both  nostrils,  of  matter  wliich,  by  transfer  or 
inoculation,  will  produce  the  same  disease  in  another  animal  (of 
the  equine  or  human  species),  and  which  discharge  is,  sooner  or 
later,  accompanied  by  vascular  injection  and  chancrous  ulceration 
of  the  schnciderian  membrane  of  the  nostrils,  and  tumefaction 
of  the  submaxillary  lymphatic  glands,  and  by  farcy;  so  that  a 
horse  can  not  be  considered  as  the  subject  of  glanders  uuti'  the8« 
3ymptoni»  are  made  manifest. 


166  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Oil  c<  n&ulting  "  Hippopathology,"  I  find  a  paragrap\i,  ciedited 
to  a  French  surgeon,  who  very  accurately  describes  the  symptoma 
of  glanders.  It  reads  as  follows :  "  The  signs  by  which  the  disease 
may  be  known  are,  when  a  horse,  already  too  old  to  be  troubled 
with  strangles,  without  a  cough,  voids  matter  by  the  nose,  and 
has  a  kernel  sticking  to  the  bone;  and,  besides,  in  glanders  tha 
matter  usually  flows  from  one  nostril,  whereas,  in  a  cold,  it  runa 
always  out  of  both.  Some  cast  the  matter  that  is  voided  by  the 
nostrils  into  water,  and,  if  it  swim  on  the  top,  they  conclude  the 
horse  to  be  free  of  this  distemper;  but  if  it  sink  to  the  bottom,  it 
Is  a  sign  of  glanders,  the  principal  use  of  this  experiment  being  tc 
distinguish  the  pus.  But  you  must  not  depend  on  the  certainty 
of  this  sign;  for  if  the  matter  stick  to  the  nostrils,  like  glue,  it  i:* 
a  bad  sign,  and  you  may  conclude  the  disease  to  be  the  glanders, 
though  the  matter  do  swim  on  the  top.  When  either  the  breath 
or  matter  that  comes  out  of  the  nostrils  stinks,  the  disease  is  almost 
always  incurable.  I  have  seen  horses  troubled  with  this  distemper 
without  kernels,  or,  if  there  were  any,  they  were  small  and  move- 
able; and  the  only  sign  by  which  we  could  discover  it  to  b« 
glanders,  was  the  glueyness  of  the  matter  discharged  from  the  nasal 
outlet." 

Treatment. — The  author  knows  of  no  remedy  for  the  cure  of 
glanders.  He  considers  it  an  incurable  disease.  In  fact,  most  of 
our  educated  veterinarians  contend  that  the  disease,  like  pulmo- 
nary consumption,  is  incurable. 

Mayhew,  one  of  the  most  intelligent  veterinary  teachers  of  the 
present  period,  informs  us  that  "  no  medicine  can  restore  the  parts 
which  disease  has  disorganized.  There  is  no  cure  for  glanders, 
which  is  essentially  an  ulcerative  disorder."  And  this  opinion  is 
indorsed  by  othei-s  of  equal  eminence  in  the  profession,  who  were 
employed  lately,  by  the  members  of  an  agricultural  society  in 
England,  to  ascertain  if  there  was  any  specific  for  the  disease 
knowi  as  glanders,  and  the  verdict  was  that  no  specific  could  ,)€ 
found.  So  soon  as  glanders  is  discovered  in  the  horse,  he  should, 
by  all  means,  ))e  destroyed,  and  buried  deep  in  the  earth. 

Farcy  (Disease  of  the  Absorbents). 

This  disease  is  usually  met  with  among  horses  of  the  scrofulous 
iliatb*»sis,  which  diathesis  is  known  by  a  proneness  to  diseases  o^ 


GLANDKRS   AND  FARCY.  157 

khe  skin,  and  does  not  readily  yield  to  medical  treatment.  Such 
horses  are  noticed  as  belonging  to  the  nervous  temperament,  hav- 
ing thin,  spare  muscles,  wiry  neck  and  limbs,  very  quick  and 
active  in  their  movements,  and  having  a  very  narrow  chest.  Yet 
it  should  be  remembered  that  the  scrofulous  diathesis  may  exist 
in  any  horse,  without  regard  to  his  conformation  or  temj)erament, 
pir>vided  he  inherit,  from  either  sire  or  dam,  the  requisite  pre- 
Ji«i]iosilion. 

The  disease  sometimes  steals  on  in  a  slow  and  insidious  mau- 
uer,  fe.  that  it  is  not  known  to  exist  until,  all  at  once,  the  animal 
becomes  lame,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours,  his  legs  swell; 
large  inflammatory  ftircy-buds  appear  just  as  suddenly;  a  stink- 
ing discharge  takes  ])lace  from  the  nostrils,  and,  unless  the  animal 
be  destroyed,  he  soon  dies.  This  form  of  farcy  may,  very  prop- 
erly, be  dcMiominated  malignant  farcy.  When  the  disease  mani- 
fests itself  ai'ter  this  fashion,  it  is  dangerous  for  a  person  to  handle 
the  subject.     He  should  be  destroyed  and  buried. 

A  case  of  this  kind  occurred  very  recently  in  a  large  stable, 
the  facts  of  which  are  as  follows:  The  author  was  requested  to 
visit  a  bay  gelding,  of  the  nervous  temperament,  supjiosed  to  be 
ihe  subject  of  a  aitarrhal  affection.  He  did  not  show  any  very 
marked  symptoms  of  ill-healtli,  except  a  slight  discharge  from 
both  nostrils.  He  had  performed  labor  up  to  within  a  few  hours 
of  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  had  partaken  of  his  usual  amount  of 
food.  This  was  toward  evening.  I  directed  the  foreman  to  rub 
the  throat  with  stimulating  liniment.  Two  ounces  of  fluid  extract 
of  resin  weed  were  given  him;  his  legs  being  cold,  they  were  ban- 
daged, and  a  warm  bran-mash  was  placed  before  him.  Next  day 
lie  was  a  pitiabh;  sight  to  behold.  His  limbs  and  other  parts  of 
the  body  had  become  dropsical ;  his  face  and  eyelids  had  become 
80  tumefied  that  the  eyelids  were  almost  totally  closed,  and  scald- 
ing tears  ran  })rofusely  down  his  cheeks.  In  various  parts  of  the 
body  the  lympliatics  were  tumefied,  presenting  unmistakable  farry- 
buds.  A  stinking  discharge  ran  from  his  nostrils,  and  he  was  so 
lame  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  get  him  out  of  the  stable. 
The  case  being  diagnosed  as  farcy,  the  animal  was  shot. 

Mr.  Percivall  alludes  to  the  lameness  and  rapid  tumefac- 
tion in  the  following  language:  "I  have  known  horses  so  lame 
from  farcy  before  the  disease  had,  in  any  local  or  characteristic 
form,    declared    itself,    that    shoes    liave   been    removed  and  feet 


108  DADD'S  VETERLNARY  ME^)IC1NE  AND  SURGERY. 

searched,  etc.,  to  discover  the  seat  and  cause  of  lameness,  no  sus- 
picion liaving  existed  at  the  time  that  farcy  was  present  in  the 
animal's  system.  It  may  so  happen,  however,  that  some  of  the 
preliminary  symptoms  are  observed  or  observable;  that,  on  the 
eontraiy,  farcy  at  once  develops  itself  in  an  attack  on  some  local- 
ity— most  probably  one  hind  limb.  Indeed,  so  sudden,  sharp,  and 
t:evcre  are  attacks  of  farcy,  in  some  instances,  that,  in  the  couise  of 
one  night,  the  horse's  limb  will  be  swollen  to  a  frightful  size,  so  aa 
to  incapacitate  him  almost  from  turning  in  his  stall  and  walking 
out  of  the  stable.  Ordinarily,  the  development  of  farcy  ])laiuly 
accounts  for  the  halting  or  lameness,  yet  the  lameness  may  appear 
without  any  ostensible  cause." 

Symptoms. — The  ordinary  symptoms  of  farcy  are,  slight  impair- 
ment of  the  general  health;  feverish  symptoms;  a  small,  quick 
pulse;  swelling  or  tumefaction  of  one  of  the  hind  legs,  generally 
the  left,  vi'ith  much  lameness;  tumefaction  of  the  lymphatics,  on 
various  parts  of  the  body,  and  in  the  groin.  On  the  inside  of  the 
thighs,  along  the  course  of  the  femoral  vein,  corded,  nodulous 
8welline:s  will  be  found.  Sometimes  one  or  both  hind  limbs  will 
swell  below  the  hock,  and  an  abscess  may  form  in  the  vicinity  ot 
the  fetlock,  and  isolated  blotches  will  break  out,  suppurate,  auf? 
terminate  in  fircy  ulcer.  No  swelling  of  a  hind  limb,  or  any 
other  part,  constitutes  a  case  of  farcy  apart  from  the  unecpiivocal 
signs  of  lymphatic  disease.  There  must  be  present  corded,  nod- 
ulated swellings,  buds  In  some  form  or  other,  together  with  acturJ 
or  approaching  tumefaction  of  the  lymphatic  glands,  or  the  case  is 
n^t  farcy.  The  disease  evidently  affects  the  absorbents.  AVhea 
it  commences  in  those  which  are  deep-seated,  it  usually  ends  in 
glanders.  Glanders  and  farcy  are  considered  the  Fame  disease; 
yet,  unlike  glanders,  many  cases  of  cure  of  mild  farcy  are  on 
record,  but  the  author  knows  of  none.  A  disease  known  as  lym- 
phatitis  is  often  mistaken  for  farcy,  and,  as  the  former  L'>  curable 
it  is  often  record-^d  that  the  latter  affection  has  been  successfully 
treated. 

Treatment.  —I  do  not  know  that  it  is  good  policy  foi  me  to  re 
Ofimmend  any  form  of  treatment  for  the  disease  know.  a*3  true 
farcy.  It  is  against  the  laws  of  this  country,  and  the  interests  of 
society  for  any  one  to  keep  or  treat  a  case  of  declared  farcy  ;  there- 
fore, the  advice  offered  in  regard  to  the  treatment  of  glanders 
H>pUes  also  to  farcy.     To  show  the  reader  that  the  author  is  not 


GLANDERS  AND  FARCY.  158 

lingular  in  his  opinion  as  regards  the  treatment  of  this  di^eajw,  * 
quotation  from  Mayhew  is  here  introduced: 

''  Farcy  is,  by  tlie  generality  of  practitioners,  regarded  as  a 
more  tractable  disease  than  glanders.  Certainly  the  course  of  the 
disorder  is  arrested  much  easier;  but,  to  cure  the  malady,  there  is 
8  constitution  to  renovate  and  a  virus  to  destroy.  Is  it  in  the 
pNiwer  of  medicine  to  restore  the  health  and  strength,  which  have 
Loen  underfed,  sapped  by  a  foul  atmosphere,  and  exhausted  l>y 
overwork?  Tonics  may  prop  up  or  stimulate  for  a  time;  but  the 
drunkard  and  the  opium-eater,  among  human  beings,  can  inform 
us  that  the  potency  of  the  best  selected  and  the  choicest  drugs, 
most  judiciously  prescribed,  and  carefully  prepared,  is  very  lim- 
ited. Sulphate  of  copper,  iron,  oak  bark,  cayenne  pepper,  and 
cantharides,  probably,  are  the  chief  medicines  the  practitioner  will 
give.  With  such  the  horse  may  be  patched  up ;  he  may  even  re- 
turn to  work.  But  at  what  a  risk!  He  carries  about  the  seeds 
of  a  disorder  contagious  to  the  human  species,  and  in  man  even 
more  terrible  than  the  quadruped.  Is  it  lawful,  is  it  right,  to  try 
to  sav€  an  avaricious  master  the  chance  of  a  few  shillings,  and 
incur  the  risk  of  poisoning  an  innocent  person?  The  author 
thinks  not.  Therefore  he  will  give  no  directions  how  to  arrest 
the  progress  of  farcy.  The  horse  once  contaminated  is,  indeed, 
very  rarely  or  never  cured.  The  animal,  after  the  veterinary  sur- 
geon has  shaken  hands  with  the  pro])rietor  and  departed,  too  often 
bears  about  an  enlarged  limb,  which  impedes  his  utility,  ai  d,  at 
any  period,  may  break  forth  again  with  more  than  the  viri  lenc€ 
ttf  tlje  original  affection." 


SECTION  VII. 

DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS. 

'tiMVAS — Spontaneous  Salivation  — Bots — Inflammation  or  Stomach — Ru^ 
TTRE  OF  Stomach — Gorged,  op  over-distended  Stomach — Meteorizatici 
— Flatulent  Colic — Spasmodic  Colic — Inflammation  of  the  Peritonum — 
Ascites— Inflammation  of  the  Intestines — Strangulation  of  Intestines-^ 
Wounds  penetrating  the  Abdominal  Cavity — Splenic  Apoplexy—  Fdho- 
iiONAL  Disease  of  the  Liver — P^vcreas;  its  Function — Parasites  whicb 

AFFBCT    THE    INTESTINES. 


Lampas. 

LA^IFAS  is  the  name  given  to  a  slight  tumefaction  of  the  soft 
palate  of  the  horse's  mouth.  It  usually  occurs  during  th« 
period  of  dentition,  at  which  time  the  mouth  is  hot  and  tender 
At  the  time  when  the  tushes  are  about  making  their  appearance, 
the  membrane  over  the  crown  of  the  tooth  becomes  tense,  so  as 
to  cause  the  root  of  the  tooth  to  press  on  the  tental  nerve.  This 
causes  much  pain.  In  such  cases  we  make  a  slight  incision  over 
the  regii.n  of  the  tooth,  which  immediately  relieves  the  animal. 
But  most  men  overlook  this  difficulty,  and,  because  the  palate  hap- 
pens to  be  tumified,  it  is  at  once  attacked  with  the  barbarous  firing- 
iron.  Tiiis  treatment  was  condemned  by  Percivall,  who,  in 
writing  of  it,  says : 

"  Are  lampas  disease?  The  complaints,  frequent  and  grievous, 
which  are  daily  reaching  onr  ears,  are  enough  to  persuade  us  that 
they  are  disease,  livery  groom  that  has  an  unthriving  horse,  or 
one  that  d«>es  not  feed,  is  sure  to  search  for  lamjins  ;  and,  should 
he  find  any,  the  cause  of  loss  of  appetite,  etc.,  's  detected,  and  the 
remedy  obvious — bii/mmg  thein  md.  Afany  a  poor  wi^hi  of  a 
horse,  even  when  sutVering  from  a  constitutional  ili.seas«',  has  het?n 
?ui»jeete<l  to  thin  torturing  operation,  with  a  vi«'w  ofth-monsirating 
tl^e  sagacity  of  the  ^r<Miin.  .-lud  thereby  has  t;ot  added  *«>  his  otbw 


DISEASES    OF   THE    DIGESTIVE   ORGAN'S. 


161 


nilments  a  foul,  sloughy,  carious  sore  upon  the  roof  of  his  mouth. 
This  may  be  said  to  be  the  fruits  of  the  removal  of  lampas. 

Supposing  that  the  existence  of  lampas  is  owing  to  the  teeth, 
surely  the  teeth  slioukl  be  removed,  and  not  the  bars  of  the  mouth. 
In  cutting  or  burning  away  the  lampas,  we  are  mistaking  the  effect 
for  the  cause.  If  it  be  contended  that  lampas  do  not  owe  their 
production  to  tlie  irritation  of  teething,  then  I  should  like  to  be 
informed  what  does  give  rise  to  them  ;  and,  lot  what  will  give  rise 
to  them,  I  do  not  imagine  there  is  any  veterinarian  hardy  enough 
to  contend  that  the  cause  resides  in  the  palate,  and  becomes  re- 
moved by  the  hot  iron.  Those  who  are  entering  private  practice, 
and  find  themselves  compelled,  at  all  times,  to  belie  their  con- 


BURSING    A    horse's    MOUTH    FOR   LAMPAS. 

(A  cruel  and  umu'cessary  operatiou.) 


Bciences  by  the  performance  of  unnecessary  operations  to  please 
their  employers,  may  be  told  that  burning  out  lampas  is,  after  all, 
preferable  to  lancing  or  cutting  the  bars  ;  for,  unless  the  palative 
artery  is  wounded,  very  little  blood  is  obtained  by  stabbing  the 
mouth  ;  and  the  wounding  of  this  vessel,  which  will  certainly  take 
place,  should  the  punctures  be  made  along  the  sides  of  the  palate, 
or  extend  forward  beyond  the  fourth  bar  from  the  front  teeth,  is 
not  always  a  very  safe  proceeding." 

It  is  an  unfortunate  occurrence  that  men  can  be  found  who  will 

perform  barbarous  and  unnecessary  operations  just  to  please  their 

emj^loyers.     If  men  were  true  to  themscives  and  their  profession, 

neither  threats  nor  promises  of  reward  would  tempt  them  to  prac- 

11 


162  DADD'S  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  sCRGERf. 

tice  cruelty  on  animals.  It  is  a  fact  that  some  men  are  often  ap 
parently  compelled  to  perform  unnecessary  operations  even  when 
the  inward  monitor  admonishes  them  that  they  are  about  to  out- 
rage the  feelings  of  a  poor  dumb  brute.  Yet,  for  the  honor  of  oui 
profession,  let  it  be  recorded  that  there  are  but  few,  if  any,  of  our 
educated  surgeons  that  can  be  induced  to  perpetrate  this  outrage. 
If  medical  men  will  only  take  the  pains  to  explain  this  matter,  and 
prove  to  the  people  that  the  enormity  here  complained  of  is  both 
absurd  and  barbarous,  then  the  evil  will  soon  cease ;  but  so  long 
as  horse-owners  believe  lampas  to  be  a  disease,  and  men  can  be 
found  ready  to  "burn  them  out,"  just  so  long  will  the  evil  exist. 
The  more  intelligent  portion  of  husbandmen  are  now  beginning  to 
lend  their  influence  to  the  work  of  rebuking  ignorance,  and  af  re- 
forming the  barbarous  customs  of  bygone  days,  and,  erelong,  it  will 
be  a  difficult  job  to  convince  them  that  their  horses  have  lampas, 
and  that  the  firing-iron  is  the  remedy  indicated.  Surely,  if  the 
distinguished  Percivall  calls  lampas  a  "  supposed  malady,"  and 
sets  his  face  against  the  means  used  for  its  removal,  the  wise  men 
of  the  fleam  should  indorse  his  sentiments. 

Treatment. — Should  the  colt's  mouth,  while  teething,  be  hot  and 
tender,  it  should  be  sponged  often  with  a  portion  of  equal  parts  of 
vinegar  and  water ;  and  should  any  of  the  teeth  appear  imprisoned 
by  the  membrane  of  the  mouth,  a  slight  incision  over  the  point  of 
the  tooth  will  give  immediate  relief. 


Spontaneous  Salivation — "  Slavertng." 

Persons  who  own  and  handle  horses  must  have  noticed,  occa- 
sionally, a  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and  sometimes  a  constant  and 
profuse  discharge  of  saliva.  This,  when  occurring  without  any 
assignable  3ause,  is  termed  spontaneous  salivation.  The  disease  ia 
usually  occasioned  by  some  irritation  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
the  salivary  glands,  or  from  perverted  function  in  the  glands 
themselves.  The  preparations  of  antimony  and  calomel,  when 
given  to  horses  for  any  great  length  of  time,  in  the  form  of  con- 
dition powders,  are  very  apt  to  produce  salivation.  Musty  clover, 
and  hay  that  is  intermixed  with  lobelia,  will  also  produce  it ;  so, 
also,  will  sharp,  projecting  teeth:  and  diseased  teeth  have  the  same 
effect.  In  such  cases,  the  cause  being  discovered,  the  removal  of 
the  same  is  the  first  step  toward  the  cure.  Then  drench  'he  qui- 
mal,  twice  daily,  with  the  following: 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  163 

^  J.  18.  Powdered  chlorate  of  potass 1  oz. 

Water ^  pint. 

Should  the  auimal  show  signs  of  debility  or  weakness,  give  one 
junce  of  fluid  extract  of  golden  seal  every  morning,  before  feeding. 
Should  the  mouth  appear  to  be  sore,  from  the  constant  flow  of 
%liva  over  it^  surfaces,  or  from  any  other  cause,  then  the  paiia 
jhould  be  sponged  two  or  three  times  daily  with  a  portion  of 
jqual  parts  of  powdered  borax  and  honey,  or  with  an  infusion  of 
bayberry  bark. 

"WTien  spontaneous  salivation  occurs  in  an  aged  horse,  it  denote* 
debilit}',  and  thus  points  out  the  propriety  of  sustaining  the  pa- 
tient's strength  by  administering  tonics  and  difi'usible  stimulants. 
The  following  is  the  best  remedy  for  this  state  of  the  system : 

No.  19.  Fluid  extract  of  chamomile 1  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger i  oz. 

Give  a.s  a  drench,  night  and  morning.  The  patient  should  hav« 
a  fair  allowance  of  good  nutritious  diet. 

Secretion  of  Saliva  in  Horses. — From  experiments  lately  made, 
it  ajipears  that  a  healthy  horse  secretes  from  the  paroted  glands, 
which  are  situated  beneath  the  ears  at  the  posterior  angles  of  the 
lower  jaw,  during  active  mastication,  about  one  gallon  of  saliva 
per  hour,  and  other  glands  in  the  vicinity  of  the  throat  and  mouth 
secrete,  in  the  same  amount  of  time,  three  gallons,  making  in  all 
four  gallons  per  hour,  which  is  mixed  with  the  food  during  masti- 
cation. The  following  experiment  was  lately  made  on  an  aged 
horse,  15  hands  2  inches  in  height.  The  tubes  leading  from  the 
paroted  glands  were  divided  on  either  side,  and  so  fixed  as  to 
throw  their  contents  into  vessels  held  for  that  purpose ;  the  ani- 
mal was  then  fed  on  oats,  which  he  masticated  during  a  period  of 
thirty  minutes,  at  the  end  of  which  time  half  a  gallon  of  saliva 
was  caught.  This  calculation,  however,  will  not  hold  good  in  all 
cases;  for  ravenous  feeders,  who  do  not  thoroughly  masticate  their 
tbod,  fail  to  secrete  the  necessary  amount  of  saliva ;  henc<j  the  food 
is  not  properly  masticated  nor  insalivated,  and  can  not,  therefore, 
undergo  proper  digestion ;  and  when  food  is  not  thoroughly  di- 
gested, it  imparts  but  little  of  its  nutriment  to  the  body.  Slow 
feeders,  therefore,  are  more  likely  to  accumulate  flesh  than  thfl 
voracious  ones. 


164  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

BoTS  (Stomachic  and  Hemorrhoidal). 

Some  persons  contend  that  bots  are  always  injurious.  Thi 
author  dissents  from  this  dictum.  It  is  possible  that,  as  in  the  cast 
of  intestinal  worms,  which  are  now  recognized  as  the  scavengers 
of  Nature,  that  the  bots  are  Nature's  hirelings,  created  and  coiij 
missioned  to  do  her  bidding,  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  h^.r 
physiological  laws.  The  parent  of  the  bot,  as  Bracy  Clark  re- 
marks, ^'  soiects  her  subjects,"  or,  in  other  words,  pounces  on  those 
who  are  not  in  rapport  with  Nature,  and  hence  have  no  businesH 
to  enjcy  good  health,  nor  even  to  live. 

This  was  the  case  when  the  people  of  the  great  city  of  London 
were  afflicted  with  the  terrible  plague,  which  ran  riot  and  carried 
off  about  one-fourth  of  the  inhabitants.  The  sanitary  emissary  of 
Nature,  whose  shield  was  emblazoned  with  the  motto,  "  Thus  far 
shalt  thou  go  and  no  further,"  pounced  upon  selected  subjects, 
the  intemperate,  licentious,  and  the  gluttonous,  and  those  who  had 
violated  Nature's  laws  by  wallowin;j;  in  filth  in  down-cellar  loca- 
tions, where  the  breath  of  life — pure  air — scarcely  ever  entered. 
These  were  the  selected  sufferers.  The  same  is  true  as  regards  the 
mortality  attending  the  yellow  fever,  which  made  such  sad  havoc 
in  the  city  of  New  Orleans  some  years  ago.  The  medical  author- 
ities contend  that  the  disease  carried  oif  over  one  thousand  of  the 
inhabitants,  without  touching  a  single  sober  or  temperate  person ; 
hence  the  plague,  the  yellow  fever,  and  the  cholera  may  be  said  to 
be  the  forces  which  Nature  employs  to  maintain  the  integrity  of 
her  laws.  Intestinal  worms,  found  in  the  intestinal  tube  of  the 
emaciated  and  the  glutton,  are  said  to  be  Nature's  scavengers,  and 
the  same  perhaps  is  true  of  bots.  They  may  be  the  agents  of  Na- 
ture, employed  to  keep  the  balance  of  power  within  her  own  hand, 
for  the  purpose,  sometimes,  of  preventing  a  too  rapid  multiplica- 
tion of  the  species ;  at  others,  to  avenge  her  for  crimes  committed 
gainst  the  laws  of  physiology. 

Let  us,  for  example,  inquire  into  the  history  and  habits  of  some 
^  thp  inferior  orders  of  creation,  and  we  may  be  led  to  infer  that 
the  presence  of  bots  in  the  stomach  of  a  horse  is  no  deviation  from 
the  general  rule  which  seems  to  pervade  all  creation.  Our  tenure 
of  li^e  depends  on  the  use  which  we  make  of  it,  and  the  same  is 
true  as  regards  the  horse. 

In  the  study  of  physiology,  we  discover  that  animals  and  insecta 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  0RGAN8.  Ififi 

requiiv  the  operation  of  certain  forces,  in  order  that  tlieir  peculiai 
vital  properties  shall  be  manifested.  They  all  require  food,  water, 
and  oxygen — food  for  the  development  of  organized  tissues, 
water  to  maintain  an  equilibrium  between  the  solids  and  fluids, 
and  oxygen  for  promoting  various  changes,  uniting  some  particles 
for  the  benefit  of  tlie  whole  fabric,  and  disengaging  others  destined 
for  excretion.  These  have  to  be  obtained  under  various  circura 
stances.  The  number  of  the  different  species  of  reptiles  known 
to  naturalists  is  about  1,300,  and  there  are  at  least  1G0,000  species 
of  insects.  Among  this  vast  assemblage  of  animate  forms,  a  great 
proportion  obtain  food,  water,  and  oxygen  in  a  situation  and  at  a 
temperature  which  is  most  congenial  to  each  species,  each  one  of 
which,  as  species,  exhibit  great  varieties  in  physical  organization 
and  habits  ;  and  hence  the  necessity  for  that  diversity  in  geograph- 
ical distribution  which  seems  to  surprise  some  men.  Each  species 
of  animal  and  insect  carry  about  with  them,  in  their  own  organi- 
zation, the  fertile  embryonic  habitation  for  successive  ])arasitic 
jlevelopraent,  and  all  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  dependent  on  each 
other  for  both  food  and  life.  It  has  been  truly  si  id  that  there 
'^  is  life  within  life."  Begin  with  the  body  of  man,  for  example, 
and  we  shall  find  that  it  is  infested  with  thirty-nine  distinct  spe- 
cies of  entozoa.  These  are  not  confined  to  a  single  location,  as 
the  bots  to  the  digestive  cavity  of  the  horse;  but  some  are  to  be 
seen  in  the  eye,  bronchial  glands,  kidneys,  liver,  gall,  bladder,  in- 
testines, muscles,  and  even  in  the  blood.  There  are  several  other 
species  of  entophyta,  to  the  number  often,  inhabitants  of  the  skin 
and  mucous  surfaces.  So  that  the  master  can  boast  of  a  larger 
number  of  living  parasites  within  and  about  his  body  than  we 
have  yet  been  able  to  find  in  his  servant,  the  horse.  And  if  the 
former  can  carry  about  in  the  living  citadel  such  a  myriad  of  liv- 
ing, active  creatures,  without  inconvenience,  and  he  being  the 
weaker  party,  why  should  not  the  horse,  who  is  stronger,  be  able 
to  furnish  nutriment  for  some  half  dozen  or  more  bots  that  are 
occasionally  found  in  his  stomach,  and  to  perform  his  2.40  gait 
without  inconvenience?  Some  of  the  inferior  orders  of  creation 
are  tlie  receptacle  of  a  still  greater  amount  of  parasites.  The 
grasshopper,  for  example,  is  infested  with  a  species  of  gordius,  a 
•ort  of  hair-worm,  which  some  persons  have  erroneously  supposed 
to  be  a  transformed  horse-hair.  Several  of  these  coil  tliemselvea 
into  the  digestive  cavity  of  the  former,  at  times  penetrating  the 


166  DADDS  VtrERINARY   MEDICINE  AND  SURQEKY. 

abdoiueii,  thorax,  aud  cranium.  Their  bulk  and  weight  oftea  ex* 
eeeds  that  of  an  ordinary  grasshopper  ;  still  you  see  aud  hear  them, 
skipping,  jumping,  and  chirruping,  notwithstanding  this  iinmenS"^ 
parasitic  mass,  just  as  freely  as  those  not  infested. 

Then  -onsider  tli^  condition  of  the  hog.  "We  frequently  find, 
in  his  1/  /er,  a  vesicle  filled  with  fluid,  apparently  possessing  qc 
furthei  organization.  But  examine  it  carefully,  and  we  shall  find 
within  "ts  enveloping  tunic  others,  the  rudiments  of  successiv% 
cells,  i"  various  stages  of  growth.  These  are  all  young  hydatids, 
A  hid  contain  still  others,  which  increase  in  size  until  the  parent 
sac  is  0  distended  that  it  finally  bursts,  and  thus  liberates  a  mul- 
titud  of  parasites,  which,  in  their  turn,  undergo  the  same  evolu- 
tion, 'jecoming  each  a  parent  hydatid,  producing  a  subsequent 
gene  ition,  which  diffuse  themselves  over  the  whole  body  of  the 
pigj  and  hence  arises  that  peculiar  feature  in  pork  known  aa 
meO'  'es. 

E '.amine- the  same  animal  after  he  is  slaughtered,  and  you  may 
poa':'bly  find  in  the  intestines  a  large  number  of  the  ascaris  lum' 
brinoides  (the  common  worm  of  the  human  intestines) ;  and  they 
are  so  prolific  that  naturalists  have  calculated  sixty-four  millions 
of  ova  within  the  body  of  a  single  female,  which  are,  at  the  proper 
season,  deposited  within  the  intestinal  tube  of  the  pig,  who,  not- 
withstanding, grows  fat,  and  furnishes  a  savory  meal  for  the  lovers 
of  pork.  Sheep,  also,  are  infested  with  a  species  of  entozoa  termed 
the  "fluke,"  besides  other  different  species;  and  it  is  only  when 
the  latter  become  very  numerous  that  they  can  be  considered  in- 
jurious. 

We  might  go  on  to  show  that  every  living  being  is  more  oi 
less  infested  with  parasites,  and  that  parasites  are,  in  their  turn, 
the  local  habitation  for  other  parasites.  The  very  atmosphere  we 
breathe,  and  which  is  the  purificator  of  the  vital  current  (the 
blood),  teems  with  an  innumerable  host  of  living  organized  crea- 
tures. The  water  which  serves  to  quench  the  thirst,  that  plays 
so  important  a  part  in  our  economy,  and  in  the  arts  and  sciences, 
whether  it  be  the  ocean,  lake,  river,  pond,  or  gully,  all  contains 
crowds  of  parasites,  or  animalculse,  at  times,  so  numerous  that 
several  hundred  thousand  have,  by  means  of  a  magnifying  lens, 
been  discovered  in  a  single  drop  of  this  fluid.  Yet  such  is  good 
and  pleasant  to  the  taste;  and  the  water  is  not  injured  thereby; 
neither  is  it,  in  turn,  injurious  to  man.     Dr.  Leidy  states  that  he 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  167 

oas,  at  various  times,  purposely  swallowed  large  draughts  of  watei 
ooDtaiiiing  myriads  of  animalculse,  without  ever  perceiving  any 
effect;  and  he  combats  the  notion  that  diseases  are  produced  oi 
propagated  by  these  parasites  taken  into  the  body.  The  most 
curious  feature  in  the  history  of  parasites  is  their  extraordinary 
powers  of  multiplication,  which  is  doubted  by  some ;  but  it  is  well 
kuown  to  others  that  some  species  are  capable  of  producing  a 
hundred  repetitions  of  themselves,  and  the  process  can  be  repeated 
t«.'n  times  in  a  season.  The  common  white  ant  is  capable  of  de- 
positing eggs  at  the  rate  of  80,000  per  day,  for  several  successive 
eccks,  and  the  common  flesh-maggot  can  be  generated  by  the 
million  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours ;  and  as  regards  growth  and 
development,  the  common  flesh-fly  and  the  caterpillar  increase  in 
weight  200  times  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours. 

But  the  bot  is  a  creature  that  does  not  multiply  nor  increase  in 
bulk  at  this  rapid  rate.  He  may  be  said  to  be  a  "slow  coach," 
and  when  once  located  in  the  stomach  of  a  horse,  he  generally 
makes  it  his  abode  for  a  season,  at  least.  He  is  a  sort  of  aristo- 
cratic entozoa.  He  lives  in  the  upper  region,  the  stomach.  He 
seldom  condescends  to  mix  with  the  lower  orders  that  infest  the 
alimentary  regions.  The  little  creature  seems  to  exercise  consid- 
erable tact  in  selecting  his  location.  Although  he  has  but  a  squat- 
ter's title  to  it,  yet  it  is  the  best  and  safest  in  the  whole  diggings. 
He  is  in  the  upper  part  of  the  stomach,  where  the  fluids  (jwisona 
or  medicines)  with  which  you  are  about  to  coax  or  drive  him  off, 
are  inoperative,  (for  they  merely  give  him  a  sort  of  shower-bath,) 
and  pass  immediately  through  the  stomach  into  the  intestines, 
where  a,ll  the  fluid  a  horse  drinks  is  generally  found ;  therefore 
they  can  not  act  on  the  bot.  Then,  again,  he  is  located  on  tlie 
cuticular  coat  of  the  stomach,  a  membrane  as  insensible  as  the 
horse's  hoof,  and,  therefore,  not  liable  to  becom:  diseased,  nor  lo  l»e 
acted  on  by  either  medicine  or  bot  nostrums.  You  may  kill  the 
horse  by  the  same,  but  the  bot,  being  within  his  own  castle,  can 
refuse  whatever  you  offer  him. 

We  can  not  make  medicine  act  on  the  external  surftice  of  the 
bot,  fcr  it  does  not  absorb  fluid ;  it  is  impervious.  These  crea- 
tures have  been  put  into  muriatic  acid,  and  kept  there  for  a  time, 
without  being  injured.  You  may  put  them  into  new  rum,  and 
keep  them  ^r  weeks,  and,  on  taking  them  out  and  exposing  them 
to  the  s"       rays,  thev  will  manifest  vitality. 


168  DADDS  VETERINARY   MEDICI.NE  AND  SURGERr. 

"We  often  hear  wonderful  stories  related  of  bots  burroT\ing 
fchrough  the  coats  of  the  stomach.  This,  we  think,  rarely  taked 
place  while  the  horse  is  alive.  That  cavity  is  the  home  of  the 
bot,  its  natural  habitation ;  for  v/e  know  of  no  other.  Here  it 
generally  remains  until  it  is  capable  of  exercising  an  ii>'1ppendeat 
existence.  In  this  situation  the  little  creature  is  too  cc-nfurtallj 
located  lo  burrow  through  the  stomach  into  a  cavity  where  it 
might  perish  for  want  of  food.  If  the  time  has  arrived  for  it  L' 
vacate  itr  stronghold,  instinct  teaches  it  the  most  safe  and  expe- 
ditious  r  mte,  which  is  through  the  alimentary  canal.  Turn  a 
horse  out  to  grass  in  the  spring,  or  give  him  some  green  fodder  in 
the  stabh,  and  the  bots  will  soon  leave  him,  if  they  are  matured  ; 
otherwise  they  must  remain  until  that  period  arrives,  unless 
Nature  his  some  work  for  them  to  perform.  We  shall  not  contend 
that  bots  are  never  found  in  the  abdominal  cavity,  for  some  per- 
sons have  testified  to  the  fact ;  but,  during  a  practice  of  several 
years,  and  having  opportunities  of  making  many  post-mortem 
examinations,  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  observe  the  phenom- 
ena, except  in  cases  of  ruptured  stomach.  Still,  a  fev/  solitary 
eases  are  on  record,  and  hence  it  remains  for  us  to  explain  ho\< 
they  got  there. 

We  all  know  that  the  moment  a  horse  dies  his  whole  body  is 
gubject  to  the  common  law  of  decomposition ;  but  the  central  or- 
gans, where  the  greatest  activity  prevailed  during  life,  are  gener- 
ally the  first  to  succumb.  Our  business  is  with  the  stomach,  the 
great  chemical  laboratory,  the  center  of  sympathies — an  organ 
that  is  very  seldom  permitted  to  rest,  consequently  an  active  one;. 
Its  powerful  solvents,  during  life,  were  busy  in  transforming  hay 
and  grain  into  chyme,  chyle,  and  blood ;  but  now  that  death  has 
the  victory,  the  gastric  fluid  acts  on  the  coats  of  the  stomach,  and 
thus  its  decomposition  is  effected;  so  that  what  was  previoudly 
good  food  for  bots  is  nov/  their  bane,  and,  unless  they  escape,  tLeii 
<leath  is  sure  and  certain. 

The  peristaltic  motion  of  the  intestines,  which  favored  the  exiJ 
of  the  bots  through  that  channel,  has  ceased ;  they  are  too  well 
ac«iuainted  with  its  intricate  labyrinthiao  outlet  (their  usual  route) 
to  even  attempt  its  passage.  No !  the  same  energies  of  one  Eternal 
Mind,  "j)ervading  and  instructing  all  that  live,"  suggests  the 
only  means  of  escape  from  threatening  dangers.  The  stomach 
\  e'v-m  partly  decomposed,  offers  but  little  opposition  to  their  en- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  169 

crouchmenls.  They  burst  their  prison-house,  and  hence  are  found 
in  the  abdominal  cavity;  and  when  there,  they  may  be  said  to 
have  jumped  from  the  "frying-pan  into  the  fire  !"  Open  a  horse 
immediately  after  death,  and,  provided  his  stomach  be  in  a  healthy 
condition,  we  shall  find  that  the  bots  have  not  penetrated  leyond 
the  cuticular  coat  of  it ;  but  if  he  shall  not  be  examined  until  some 
houis  have  elapsed,  the  bots  may  be  found  to  have  passed  through 
the  walls  of  the  decomposed  stomach  and  its  peritoneal  tunic. 

We  can  imagine,  also,  that  a  large  number  of  bots  might  con- 
gregate at  a  given  point  in  the  stomach  of  a  horse,  and,  aided  by 
disease,  occasion  a  loss  of  continuity  in  the  fibers  of  that  organ; 
then,  on  the  slightest  distension  by  wind,  its  walls  might  be  rup- 
tured and  its  function  paralyzed,  and  thus  the  bot  be  involun- 
tarily driven  from  its  home,  to  seek  shelter  and  food  in  another 
location. 

We  contend  that  the  stomach  of  a  horse  is  the  natural  habita- 
tion of  the  bot  during  its  minority,  and,  at  the  proper  season,  the 
digestive  canal  is  the  usual  channel  for  its  introduction  into  the 
external  world ;  and  if  these  parasites  are  ever  found  in  any  other 
situation  within  a  horse's  body,  they  are  there  by  the  force  of  cir- 
cumstances, owing  to  disease  or  rupture  of  the  stomach,  or  from 
some  morbid  condition  in  the  gastric  fluids,  which  arouses  a  set 
of  involuntary  actions  in  response  to  a  stimulus ;  because,  during 
the  whole  jjcriod  of  their  minority,  that  is,  the  larveal  state,  (a 
term  which,  in  the  language  of  entomology,  applies  to  the  bot  from 
the  time  of  emerging  from  the  egg,  or  nit,  up  to  that  period  when 
it  vacates  the  horse  and  assumes  the  form  of  a  gad-fly),  they  are 
in  the  same  condition  as  a  new-born  babe  or  an  idiot — the  one 
imbibing  its  mother's  milk,  and  the  other  performing  unnatural 
antics,  both  appearing  to  lack  that  train  of  mental  operations 
which  implies  knowledge,  motive,  or  the  consequences  resulting 
from  such  actions.  We  very  much  doubt  if  the  bet  can,  at  any 
time,  by  voluntary  act,  vacate  the  body  of  the  horse.  Rcaoon- 
ing  from  analogy,  we  are  led  to  the  conclusion  that  the  result 
is  accomplished  through  their  instinctive  properties,  which  are 
er-mmon  to  many  insects  and  parasites — a  perfect  adaptation  of 
iu2ans  to  an  end — by  which  they  perform  a  certain  set  of  opera- 
tions without  choice,  purpose,  or  intention  of  their  own,  yet,  io 
many  cases,  producing  results  which  man,  through  the  aid  of  hia 
superior  intellect,  has  not  been  able  to  surpass. 


170  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

Persons  who  have  paid  any  attention  to  the  study  of  physiology, 
are  aware  that  these  instinctive  or  invokmtary  movements,  ])er- 
forirj'^d  without  consciousness,  are  the  birthright  of  a  vast  numbei 
of  tl  9  inferior  orders  of  creation;  therefore,  it  is  not  Hkely  tha\ 
the  hot  wouhl,  even  if  he  possessed  the  power,  voluutaiily  \acate 
a  location  favorable  to  its  growth  and  development. 

Veterinary  surgeons  have  long  since  discarded  the  absurd  notioj? 
that  bots  are  the  cause  of  imy  uain  or  suffering  to  horses.  In  fact, 
some  of  the  most  distinguished  of  them  assert  that  these  little 
creatures,  with  their  rough  exterior,  are  rather  bencfi(nal  than 
otherwise,  and  that,  by  friction  and  irritation,  they  arouse  the 
sluggishness  of  the  stomach,  and  thus  promote  digestion.  Per- 
sons unacquainted  with  these  facts  are,  therefore,  apt  to  attribute 
eiFects,  during  life,  to  causes  which  happen  after  death,  and,  conse- 
quently, the  poor  horse  has  to  be  dosed  with  all  sorts  of  nostrums. 

So  popular  has  been  the  belief  that  bots  are  injurious  to  horses, 
and,  therefore,  must  be  expelled  at  all  hazards,  that  almost  all  the 
old  works  on  farriery  contained  some  favorite  recipe  for  their  ex- 
pulsion. Popular  opinion,  too,  has  been  so  much  in  favor  of  the 
theory,  that  Mr.  Percivall  thought  it  his  duty,  as  a  public 
teacher,  to  make  use  of  the  following  language : 

"You  may  boldly  assert  thai  bots  are  in  nowise  injurious.  Still, 
you  can  not  persuade  the  woi-ld  so,  and,  therefore,  you  must  be 
prepared  to  meet  the  complaints  of  those  unbelievers,  who  will, 
now  and  then,  declare  that  their  horses  have  bots,  which  must  be 
got  rid  of.  But  I  know  of  no  medicine  that  has  the  power  of 
destroying ;  and  even  if  we  possessed  such,  I  am  not  sure  that  we 
could,  even  when  dead,  detach  them  from  the  cuticular  coat  of  the 
Btomach,  to  which  they  are  attached  by  small  horns." 

In  allusion  to  the  parasites  which  infest  the  human  body,  Wat- 
son remarks: 

"  It  is  a  curious  fact  tliat  numerous  parasites  do  crawl  over  the 
Burface  of  our  liodies,  burrow  beneath  our  skin,  nestle  in  our  en- 
trailj-  and  riot  and  propagate  their  kind  in  every  comer  of  our 
frame,  producing  ofttimes  such  molestation  and  disturi)ance  as  to 
require  the  interference  of  medicine.  Nearly  a  score  of  animals 
that  have  their  dwelling-place  in  the  interior  of  the  hum;m  body 
have  been  alrciuly  discovered  and  described,  and  scarcely  a  tissue 
or  an  organ  but  is  occasionally  profaned  by  their  inroatls.  FJach, 
*lr-o,  has  its  special  or  its  favorite  domicile.     One  spcvies  cnoose* 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  171 

the  heart  for  its  place  of  abode ;  another  inhabits  the  arteries ;  a 
third,  the  kidney.  Myriads  of  minute  worms  lie  coiled  up  in  the 
voluntary  muscles  or  in  the  areolar  tissue  that  connects  the  flesh 
fibers.  The  guinea-worm  and  chigoe  bore  through  the  skin,  and 
reside  In  the  subajacent  reticular  membrane.  Hydatids  infest 
various  parts  of  the  body,  but  especially  the  liver  and  brain.  A 
little  flidvc,  in  general  appearance  much  like  a  minature  flounder, 
lives,  steeped  in  gall,  in  tlie  biliary  vessels.  If  you  squeeze  from 
the  skin  of  your  nose,  what  is  vulgarly  called  a  maggot  (tlie  contcMits 
of  one  of  the  hair-pellicles),  it  is  ten  to  one  that  you  find  in  tiiat 
small  sebaceous  cylinder  several  animalcules,  extremely  minute, 
yet  exhibiting,  under  the  microscope,  a  curious  and  complicated 
gtructure.  Even  the  eye  has  its  living  inmates;  but  it  is  in  the 
alimentary  tube  that  we  are  most  infested  with  these  vermin." 

It  is  evident,  from  competent  testimony,  that  these,  as  Avell  as 
other  kinds  of  parasites,  are  always  more  or  less  injurious;  hence 
the  same  may  be  true  as  regards  the  bot  in  a  horse's  stomach.  The 
best  authority  we  have  for  the  origin  and  history  of  the  bot  ia 
Braoy  Clark,  V.  S.,  a  selection  from  whose  works  is  here  in- 
trod  ui^ed : 

''Tlie  (Estrus  Equi,  or  the  Stomach  Bot. — "When  the  female  ha.s 
been  impregnated,  and  the  eggs  sufficiently  matured,  she  seeks 
among  the  horses  a  subject  for  her  purpose;  and  nppronchinix  him 
on  the  wing,  she  carries  her  body  nearly  uprigui  in  the  aii,  and 
her  tail,  which  is  elevated  or  lengthened  for  the  purpose,  curved 
inward  and  upward.  In  this  way  she  approaches  the  part  where 
she  designs  to  deposit  the  e^^g,  and,  suspending  herself  for  a  few 
seconil?  before  it,  suddenly  darts  upon  it,  and  leaves  the  egg  ad- 
hering to  the  hair.  She  hardly  appears  to  settle,  but  merely 
touches  the  hair,  with  the  egg  held  out  on  the  projected  ])oint  of 
the  abdomen.  The  egg  is  made  to  adhere  by  means  of  a  ghiti- 
nous  liquor  secreted  with  it.  She  then  leaves  the  horse  at  a  small 
distance,  and  prepares  a  second  egg,  and,  poising  herself  before  the 
part,  deposits  it  in  the  same  way.  The  liquor  dries,  and  the  egg 
becomes  firmly  glued  to  the  hair.  This  is  repeated  by  these  fliea 
till  four  or  five  hundred  eggs  are  sometimes  placed  on  one  horse. 

The  skin  of  the  horse  is  usually  thrown  into  a  tremulous  motion 
OD  the  touch  of  this  insect,  which  merely  arises  from  the  very  great 
irritability  of  the  skin  and  cutaneous  muscles  at  this  season  of  the 
rear,  occasioned  bv  the  heat  and  continual  teasing  c^  the  flies,  till, 


172 


DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


»t  length,  these  muscles  appear  to  act  involuntarily  on  the  slightest 
touch  of  any  body  whatever. 


THE  (ESTRUS  EQUI. 


I.  The  female  fly,  about  to  deposit  an  egg 

8.  The  male  fly. 

S.  The  egg ;  its  natural  size. 

4.  The  egg  magnified. 


6.  The  newly-hatchfld  bmt. 

6.  The  hot  full-grown. 

7.  The  head  of  a  hot  magnified. 
*.  The  chrysalis. 


The  inside  of  the  knee  is  the  part  on  which  these  flies  are  most 
fond  of  depositing  their  eggs,  and  next  to  this  on  the  side  and  back 
part  of  the  shoulder,  and  less  frequently  on  the  extreme  ends  of  the 
hairs  of  the  mane.  But  it  is  a  fact  worthy  of  attention  that  the 
fly  does  not  place  them  promiscuously  about  the  body,  but  con- 
stantly on  those  parts  which  are  most  liable  to  be  licked  with  the 
tongue,  and  the  ova,  therefore,  are  always  scrupulously  placed 
within  its  reach. 

The  eggs  thus  deposited  I  at  first  supposed  were  loosened  from 
the  hairs  by  the  moisture  of  the  tongue,  aided  by  its  roughness, 
and  were  conveyed  to  the  stomach,  where  they  were  hatched ;  but 
on  more  minute  search,  I  do  not  find  this  to  be  the  case,  or,  at 
least,  only  by  accident ;  for  when  they  have  remained  on  the  hairs 
four  or  five  days,  they  become  ripe,  after  which  time  the  slightest 
application  of  warmth  and  moisture  is  sufficient  to  bring  forth,  in 
an  instant,  the  latent  larvae.  At  this  time,  if  the  tongue  of  the 
horse  touches  the  egg,  its  operculium  is  thrown  open,  and  a  smalj 
active  worm  is  produced,  which  readily  adheres  to  the  moist  surfStC.' 
of  the  tongue,  and  is  thence  conveyed  with  the  food  to  the  stol  » 


DISEASES  Ot   THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  173 

uvL.  At  tlie  first  hatching,  as  we  obsen^e,  it  is  a  small,  aotiv€ 
worm,  long  in  proportion  to  its  thickness ;  but  as  its  growth  ad- 
vances, it  becomes  proportionably  thicker  and  broader,  and  beset 
with  bristles. 

Bots  are  very  frequent  in  horses  that  have  been  at  grass,  and 
are,  in  general,  found  adhering  to  the  white  insensible  tissue  or  coat 
of  the  stomach.  They  usually  hang  in  dense  clusters  to  the  white 
cuticular  lining  of  the  stomach,  and  maintain  their  hold  by  means 
of  two  dark  brown  hooks,  between  which  a  longitudinal  slit  is  seen, 
which  is  the  mouth  of  thelarvse.  When  removed  from  the  stomach 
by  tne  fingers,  by  a  sudden  jerk,  so  as  not  to  injure  them,  they 
will,  if  fresh  and  healthy,  attach  themselves  to  any  loose  mem- 
brane, and  even  to  the  skin  of  the  hand.  For  this  purpose  they 
isheath  or  draw  back  the  hooks  almost  entirely  within  the  skin, 
until  the  two  points  come  close  to  each  other.  They  then  present 
them  to  the  membrane,  and,  keeping  them  parallel  till  it  is  pierced 
through,  they  expand  them  in  a  lateral  direction,  and  afterward,  by 
bringing  the  points  downward  toward  themselves,  they  include  a 
sufficient  piece  of  the  membrane,  to  remain  firmly  fixed  for  any 
length  of  time,  as  if  at  anchor.  These  bots  pass  the  autumn^ 
winter,  and  spring  months  in  the  stomach,  and  arrive,  about  the 
commencement  or  middle  of  the  summer,  at  their  full  growth, 
requiring  a  year  to  fully  complete  their  structure. 

Tlie  Oestrus  Hemorrhoidalls,  or  Fundament  Bot. — The  parts 
chosen  by  this  insect  for  this  purpose  is  the  lips  of  the  horse, 
which  is  very  distressing  to  the  animal,  from  the  excessive  titi-^a- 
tion  it  occasions;  for  he  immediately  rubs  his  mouth  against  the 
ground,  his  fore-legs,  or  sometimes  against  a  tree,  with  great 
emotion,  till  the  animal,  at  length,  finding  this  mode  of  defense 
insufficient,  quits  the  s])ot  enraged,  and  endeavors  to  avoid  it 
by  galloping  away  to  a  distant  part  of  the  field ;  and  if  the  fly 
still  continues  to  follow  and  tease  him,  his  last  resource  is  in  the 
water,  where  the  oestrus  never  is  observed  to  pursue  him.  These 
flies  appear  sometimes  to  hide  themselves  in  the  grass,  and,  as  the 
horse  stoops  to  graze,  they  dart  on  the  mouth  or  lips,  and  are 
ahvavs  observed  to  poise  themselves,  during  a  few  seconds,  in  the 
air,  while  the  egg  is  preparing  on  the  extended  point  of  the  abdo- 
men. AVlien  several  of  these  flies  are  confined  in  a  close  place, 
they  have  a  particularly  strong,  musty  smell ;  and  I  have  observed 
both  '^heep  and  horses,  when  teased  by  them,  to  look  into  the  graaa 


174 


DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


and  smell  it  very  anxiously ;  and  if  they,  by  these  means,  dis- 
cover the  fly,  they  immediately  turn  aside  and  hasten  to  a  distant 
part  of  the  field.  I  once  saw,  in  a  meadow  or  field,  upon  the 
cliffs  of  Margate,  a  fly  of  this  sort  teasing  a  horse  that  was  con- 
fined to  a  small  space  by  a  spike  stuck  in  the  ground,  to  which  a 
cord  was  tied.  He  could  not  get  away  from  its  attack,  and  became 
quite  furious,  for  in  kicking  at  the  fly  with  his  fore-foot,  which  he 
did  vehemently,  he  often  struck  the  bone  of  the  low^er  jaw,  creating 
excessive  pain ;  for  in  that  direction,  while  grazing,  the  fly  comes 
to  the  beard  of  the  low^er  lip. 


THE  (ESTRUS   IIEMOKRHOIDALIS. 

1.  The  female  about  to  deposit  an  egg.        I 

2.  The  egg  magnified.  i 

5.  The  male  flj". 


3.  The  hot. 

4.  The  chrysalis. 


The  esj'ns  of  this  species  are  difficult  to  be  seen  upon  the  horse's 
skin  or  beard,  owing  to  the  agitation  of  the  beast,  and  from  the 
color  of  the  egg  being  dark,  like  that  of  the  skin  of  the  horse. 
The  animal  has  been  generally  too  impatient,  while  undergoing 
this  operation,  to  let  me  examine  them  very  well.  I  ascertained, 
however,  its  form  by  pressing  one  of  these  eggs  from  the  abdomen. 

The  larvffi,  or  grubs,  of  this  species  inhabit  the  stomach  as  the 
former,  generally  adhering  to  the  white  lining,  and  are  disposed 
promiscuously  in  dense  clusters,  after  the  same  manner.  They 
may,  however,  be  distinguished  from  them  by  being,  in  general, 
smaller  and  longer  in  proportion  to  their  bulk. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  175 

The  larva  of  this  species  may  be  obtained  from  almost  any  horw 
tliat  has  been  much  the  preceding  year  at  grass,  and  exposed  to 
these  flies,  and  will  be  found,  during  the  summer  months,  sticking 
more  or  less  within  the  verge  or  opening  of  the  anus,  adhering  to 
its  soft  lining,  and  producing  considerable  irritation  and  uneasiness. 
Indeed,  I  once  well  remember  being  on  a  tour  of  pleasure  in  the 
Lsle  of  Wight,  and  experiencing  much  annoyance  from  these 
larva;.  The  little  horse  I  had  hired  for  the  journey  became  so 
lazy  and  unwilling  to  go  on,  and  moved  so  awkwardly,  that  I 
could  not  keep  pace  with  my  company,  and  I  was  at  a  loss  how 
to  proceed ;  but,  on  casually  taking  up  the  tail,  I  discovered  three 
or  four  of  these  insects  hanging  to  the  rectum,  and  their  removal 
instantly  proved  a  cure." 

It  is  very  likely  that  the  fundamental  or  hemorrhoidal  bot 
does  produce  some  irritation  within  the  rectum,  but  not  more  so 
than  the  ascaris,  or  the  filaria,  which  inhabit  the  intestines,  in- 
cluding the  rectum,  of  both  man  and  horse.  Taking  a  rational 
and  scientific  view  of  this  subject,  the  author  is  inclined  to  believe 
that  all  parasites  infesting  the  bodies  (or  living  citadels)  of  the  su- 
perior orders  of  creation  are  only,  in  their  essence,  so  many  modes 
of  death,  more  or  less  sudden  or  gradual,  as  the  case  may  be,  or 
as  the  exigencies  of  Nature  require.  In  some  cases  it  is  supposed 
to  be  a  beneficent  provision  that  some  horses,  as  well  as  men, 
should  have  a  gradual  exit  out  of  life,  when,  by  virtue  of  their 
constitution,  they  inherited  no  long  lease  of  it.  The  parasites 
here  alluded  to,  and  others  not  mentioned,  may  be  classed  as  so 
many  diseases,  wliich  never  prove  mortal  unless  the  individual's 
lease  of  life  has  expired,  and  then,  as  before  remarked,  he  has  no 
tenure  on  longevity.  In  taking  this  view  of  the  subject,  the 
reader  will,  of  course,  infer  that  all  extraneous  or  accidental  cam.ea 
of  death  are  excluded. 

Disease,  which  probably  includes  the  presence  of  all  paraelt-rs, 
in  the  bodies  of  men  and  animals,  may  be  considered  as  the  trials 
of  pilgrimage  life,  and,  therefore,  may  be  classed  as  the  chccU- 
mates  to  Nature.  In  order  to  play  the  game  of  life  so  as  not  to 
get  checkmated,  we  must  understand  the  law  of  rational  ])hysiol- 
ogy,  and  use  our  intelligence  accordingly,  to  preserve  health.  In 
the  ordinary  acceptation  of  the  term  disease,  it  does  not  mean 
much  of  any  thing;  for  it  does  not  express  the  manner  in  which 
Ibe  animal  is  affected.     It  simply  means  that  he  is  sick,  from 


176  DADIVS  VETE1U^ARY  MEDICINE  AND  SaRtJEJ!.!. 

some  cause  or  other.  A  man  or  animal  may  oe  diseased  withcul 
our  expression  of  the  manner  in  which  either  are  atfeoted,  just  ai 
a  flower  may  be  said  to  be  colored  without  designat'ng  its  partlc- 
alar  hue.  In  each  case  we  receive  definite,  alth' ugiv  negative, 
ideas — in  the  one,  that  the  creature  is  not  in  healtl:  ;  in  the  otheij 
that  the  flower  is  not  colorless.  And  so  the  same  reasoning  may 
apply  when  bots  become  the  subject  of  our  consi(  erttion.  In  a 
given  case,  they  may  prove  injurious  (according  to  our  ideas),  and 
in  another  they  may  remain,  for  a  certain  length  ol  time,  perfectly 
harmless ;  so  that  the  animal  infected  or  infested  i  lay  or  may  not 
Buifer  any  infliction,  but  trot  on  through  the  joui  ney  of  life  just 
as  long  as  horse-life  is  worth  wearing. 

As  regards  the  several  modes  of  death  to  horse  flesh,  in  which 
bots  are  said  to  play  an  active  part,  they  may  thus  be  stated: 
Bots  sometimes  congregate,  in  large  numbers,  at  the  superior  or 
inferior  inlet  or  outlet  of  the  stomach,  and  thus  produce  mechan- 
ical obstruction  to  the  passage  of  both  semi-fluidu  and  solids ;  and 
the  result  is,  equine  death.  The  author  once  held  an  autopsy 
which  revealed  the  prf  ,ence  of  a  cluster  of  bots,  uumbering  about 
one  hundred,  located  in  the  cardiac  region  of  the  oesophagus. 
They  completely  obstructed  the  passage  of  food  into  the  stomach. 
The  horse  died  suddenly,  as  if  suffocated,  from  diuilension  of  the 
oesophagus  and  pressure  on  the  trachea. 

The  following  case,  furnishetl  for  the  "  Veterinarian  "  by  Sur- 
geon Mathee,  illustrates  another  mode  of  death  from  the  pres- 
ence of  bots : 

"The  inclosed  tongue  and  larynx  I  took  from  a  foal  this  even- 
ing, which  I  shall  feel  obliged  to  you  for  examining,  as  at  the  base 
of  the  tongue  you  will  find  about  a  score  of  what  appear  to  me  to 
be  perfect  specimens  of  a  small  bot.  I  have  only  made  a  partial 
examination,  as  I  was  anxious  to  send  tlije  specimen  off  to  you 
before  it  became  decomposed,  as  the  weather  is  very  hot.  The 
history  of  the  case  is  as  follo\A's :  Two  days  ago  I  was  requested  to 
go  to  Lord  Glasgow's  breeding  establishment,  to  see  a  foal  thai 
was  unwell.  I  inquired  of  the  stud-groom  how  long  the  animal 
had  been  ill,  and  he  informed  me  that  three  days  ago  it  api)eared 
to  have  a  difficulty  in  swallowing,  and  that  he  noticed  some  saliva 
issuing  from  its  mouth ;  and  that,  thinking  it  had  a  sore  throat, 
he  had  rubbed  some  embrocation  upon  the  parts.  On  examining 
the  animal,  I  found  it  in  a  very  debilitated  state.     Pul«e,  very 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  17? 

weak,  and  numbering  80 ;  ears  and  legs,  extremely  cold,  aasociated 
with  shivering  fits  of  the  entire  body ;  mouth,  filled  with  partly 
masticated  hay  and  grass ;  tongue,  furred.  The  animal  had  seem- 
mgly  a  desire  to  eat,  but  was  unable  to  open  its  mouth  more  than 
about  an  inch.  It  was  likewise  unable  to  swallow  any  thing  but 
liquids,  and  these  only  In  very  small  quantities.  In  spite  of  all  I 
could  do,  the  power  of  swallowing  got  worse,  and  this  morning  it 
died,  very  much  to  their  disappointment,  as  it  was  a  very  higli- 
bred  animal. 

Could  this  foal  have  taken  in  the  ova  of  the  gad-fly.  and  some 
of  them  become  hatched,  and,  instead  of  passing  into  the  stomach, 
have  become  adherent  to  the  base  of  the  tongue,  and  there  set  up 
such  an  amount  of  irritation  as  to  cause  the  parts  to  swell  so  as  to 
prevent  the  animal  from  swallowing? 

Observations  on  the  Case. — "We  are  indebted  to  Assistant  Pro- 
fessor Yarnell  for  the  following  remarks  upon  this  singular  case: 

*  The  morbid  specimen  forwarded  by  ^Mr.  G.  Mather,  is  of  very 
rare  occurrence.  We  have  never  met  with  such  an  one  before,  nor 
are  we  aware  that  a  similar  instance  has  ever  been  recorded.  The 
parts  came  to  hand  in  a  good  state  of  preservation,  although  the 
temperature  at  the  time  was  very  high,  so  that  we  were  enabled 
to  form  a  pretty  correct  opinion  as  to  the  nature  of  the  changes 
that  had  taken  place  during  the  life  of  the  animal.  The  dorsum 
of  the  tongue.  Its  root,  the  whole  of  the  surface  of  the  fruces,  the 
velum  palati,  and  the  margin  of  the  glottal  opening,  as  well  as  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  larynx  and  pharj-nx,  were  very  nmch  in- 
flamed, and.  In  places,  considerably  thickened.  These  parts  were 
likewise  covered  with  a  deposit  seemingly  consisting  of  a  mixture 
of  mucus,  lymph,  and  pus. 

The  moet  remarkable  feature,  however,  of  the  case  was  in  the 
cause  that  had  given  rise  to  the  Inflammatory  state  of  the  throat; 
namely,  the  existence  of  a  number  of  small  bots — the  oestnis  hem- 
orrhoidalis  (the  'red-tailed  horse  bot'  of  Bracy  Clark)— which 
were  found  to  be  firmly  adhering,  by  their  tentacula,  to  the  mu- 
cous membrane.  Besides  the  number  which  were  still  in  situ, 
many  others  had  apparently  been  attached  to  the  parts,  but  which 
had,  most  likely,  been  lost  in  the  handling  they  had  undergone. 

By  a  little  reflection,  we  may  probably  form  a  correct  opiniou 
as  to  how  these  parasites  became  located  In  this  unusual  situation. 
We  imagine  that  the  foal,  by  licking,  gathered  the  ova,  in  a  state 
12 


I7fi  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SORGERY. 

of  perfection,  from  the  hair  of  its  dam,  on  which  they  had  bee« 
deposited,  rather  than  from  its  own  coat.  The  perfected  ova, 
being  thus  taken  into  the  mouth,  became  first  entangled  in  ita 
mucus,  and  finally  lodged  in  those  shallow  recesses  at  the  root  of 
the  tongue,  where  they  became  hatched.  Some  of  these  creatures 
measured  as  much  as  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  rather 
less  than  one  in  diameter.  They  were  firmly  fixed,  by  their  littl? 
booklets,  apparently  to  the  innci  surface  of  the  mucous  follicles. 
Their  free  extremities  were  of  a  deep  red  color,  and  their  bodies 
of  a  yellowish  brown.' " 

Treatment. — The  only  remedy  for  ridding  the  system  of  bote  is 
a  run  at  grass,  in  the  month  of  May. 

Gastritis,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Stomach. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  stomach  seldom,  if  ever,  occurs 
among  horses  as  a  spontaneous  affection.  It  is  usually  occasioned 
by  irritating  medicines  or  poisons,  or  food  of  an  inferior  quality. 
"WTien  an  irritating  poison  has  been  received  into  the  stomach,  and 
excites  inflammation  there,  or  when  acute  inflammation  arises 
from  any  cause,  the  symptoms  which  mark  that  inflammation  are 
pain,  distress,  and  restlessness ;  a  loathing  of  food ;  for,  if  any  thing 
be  given  by  the  mouth,  it  creates  increased  pain.  The  animai 
breaks  out  in  a  cold  sweai,  lies  down  and  quickly  rises  again,  be- 
comes  early  and  greatly  prostrated  in  strength,  and  has  a  pulse 
usually  quick  and  much  oppressed.  Sometimes  purging  sets  in ; 
at  others,  the  bowels  are  constipated.  The  disease  is  very  apt  to 
run  into  gastro-cnteritis — inflammation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels. 

Treatment. — The  general  treatment  consists  in  the  administra- 
tion of  slippery-elm  mucilage,  and  half-ounce  doses  of  chlorate  of 
potass,  two  or  three  times  per  day.  Should  gas  accumulate  in  the 
stomach  or  bowels,  give  one  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  dissolved 
in  a  pint  of  warm  water.  The  ordinary  drink  should  consist  ')f 
hay  tea,  to  which  a  small  quantity  of  molasses  may  be  added, 

RurfuRE  OF  the  Stomach. 

Rupture  of  the  stomach  is  always  a  fatal  malady,  over  which 
neither  art  nor  nature  has  any  control ;  yet,  the  accident  being  one 
cf  frequent  occurrence,  it  l:)ecomes  necessary  for  us  to  know  some- 


DISEASES  01    THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  179 

thing  regarding  its  cause  and  symptoms,  which  are  all  detailed  in 
the  following  case,  from  the  author's  note-book : 

Death  of  a  Horse  from  Ruptured  Stomach. — The  subject,  a  black 
gelding,  nine  years  old,  had  been  driven  a  distance  of  twelve  miles 
into  the  city;  on  arriving  at  the  "City  Hotel  stable,"  he  first 
manifested  signs  of  uneasiness,  by  pawing  with  his  feet  and  turn- 
ing his  head  toward  the  belly.  He  finally  got  down,  rolled, 
tumbled  about,  and  passed  considerable  flatus,  etc.  His  owner, 
supposing  him  to  be  the  subject  of  colic,  administered  a  dose  of 
"  lire-water,"  in  the  form  of  gin  and  cayenne  pepper,  followed  by 
three  ounces  of  spirits  of  niter.  He  urinated  freely,  passed  con- 
siderable flatus,  yet  grew  no  better  very  fast.  Four  hours  from 
the  commencement  of  the  attack  our  attention  was  called  to  him. 
The  case  then  a])peared  hopeless,  consequently  we  declined  pre- 
scribing. The  following  were  the  symptoms:  Pulse,  small  and 
thready;  in  number,  fifty-six;  respirations,  sixty — laborious, 
emitting,  occasionally,  a  sort  of  grunt,  indicative  of  i)ressure,  from 
a  distended  stomach,  on  the  diaphragm  and  lungs.  The  eyes 
were  amaurotic  (jmpils  dilated  and  loss  of  vision);  sclerotica 
(white  of  the  eye)  slightly  injected;  conjunctival  membrane, 
within  the  eyelids,  surcharged  with  blood.  The  buccal  membrane, 
within  the  mouth,  intensely  inflamed,  induced,  probably,  by  the 
fire-water  drench.  The  tongue  was  of  a  leaden  hue,  and  the  nasal 
membranes  were  somewhat  reddened.  The  body,  or  external 
surface,  was  the  seat  of  profuse  perspiration,  which  ran  down  the 
limbs  like  rain.  They,  as  well  as  other  parts  of  the  body,  re- 
mained comfortably  warm  until  within  a  few  minutes  of  death. 
There  appeared  to  be  considerable  distension  in  the  region  of  th(3 
stomach,  and  less  at  the  flanks,  from  which  circumstance  we  con- 
cluded that  the  patient  was  laboring  under  tympanitis  (windy  dis- 
tension) of  the  stomach.  At  the  moment  of  death,  the  reverse 
was  the  case,  which  circumstance  seemed  to  confirm  this  o[)inion; 
for  then,  the  stomach  being  ruptured,  the  gas  would  diifuse  itself 
in  the  abdominal  cavity  and  increase  In  bulk. 

Aspect  and  motiotis  of  the  body. — The  head  was  kept  within 
striking  distance  of  the  ground;  the  tail  was  elevated,  and  kept 
in  a  ouivering  condition  (involuntary).  The  fore  extremities  were 
advanced,  one  leg  frequently  crossing  the  other;  the  hinder  parta 
maintained  a  couching  attitude,  and  the  penis  hung  pendulous. 
When  not  in  this  position,  the  patienl  would  revolve  in  a  circle; 


180  3ADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

then  H(j  down  flat  on  his  side,  turn  his  head  toward  the  ribs,  ami, 
after  a  short  time,  raise  the  forward  parts,  and  sit  on  his  haunclies 
like  a  dog.  At  last  he  fell  over,  gave  two  or  three  convulsive 
struggles,  and  died,  just  thirty-five  minutes  from  the  time  we  fi-  * 
saw  him. 

Next  morning,  in  company  with  Dr.  ^yooD.  we  proceeded  \ 
Ward's  establishment,  but  came  very  near  being  too  late ;  for  the 
metamorphosis  of  the  horse  into  grease,  food  for  swiue,  etc.,  had 
commenced.  We  however  had  an  opportunity  to  make  a  '^lasual 
examination  of  some  of  the  organs,  and  found  a  rupture  of  the 
stomach  of  some  six  or  eight  inches.  Tht  contents,  some  of  which 
were  found  In  the  abdominal  cavity,  were  very  imperfectly  (crudely) 
masticated.  It  may  be  proper,  therefore,  to  name  the  disease  m- 
digestion ;  its  consequences,  tympanitis  of  the  stomach  ;  the  cause 
of  death,  rupture  of  the  stomach.  The  loss  of  vision  referred  to 
is  one  of  the  symptoms  which  generally  attends  acute  indigestion. 

A  person,  who  was  present  during  the  last  moments  of  the  ani- 
mal's life,  asked  if  we  were  not  going  to  give  or  administer  some- 
thing. Our  reply  was,  that  we  never  tortured  dying  horses  by 
forcing  drugs  down  their  throats.  One  of  our  duties,  as  a  i)hysi- 
cian,  was  to  know  when  to  withhold  medicine — when  to  do 
nothing;  and  another  equally  important  one  was  to  be  able  tc 
discriminate  between  a  hopeless  and  curable  case.  The  one  lq 
question  was  beyond  the  aid  of  science,  and,  therefore,  in  view  of 
"  clearing  our  skirts  "  of  being  the  cause  of  death  by  administer- 
ing the  last  dose  (a  charge  that  is  often  ungenerously  laid  at  the 
door  of  medical  men),  we  preferred  to  watch  the  dying  animal, 
and  give  directions  calculated  to  lessen  the  pains  of  death. 

Unfortunately  for  us  and  our  patients,  many  employers  form  an 
estimate  of  medical  qualification  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of 
medicine  administered.  They  have  an  idea  that  the  more  medi- 
cine we  give,  the  greater  are  our  eiforts  to  control  the  disease,  and 
the  more  willing  are  they  to  pay  for  the  same,  when,  in  ninety* 
nine  cases  out  of  a  hundred,  the  very  reverse  is  the  case;  foi 
many  diseases  to  which  horses  and  cattle  are  subject  have  a  definite 
type  and  limited  duration,  and  would  terminate  favorably  with 
less  medicine ;  provided,  however,  the  patient  have  the  advantages 
of  pure  air,  suitable  diet,  and  proper  management.  Many  medi- 
cal men  are  compelled  to  swerve  from  the  line  of  their  own  con- 
irictions  merely  to  satisfy  their  employers.     This  Miould  not  be. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  181 

If  a  man  employs  a  physician,  (quacks  are  not  here  considered,) 
he  should  have  unbounded  confidence  in  the  ability  of  the  former 
to  treat  the  case.  If  any  thing  occur  to  lessen  that  confidence,  let 
the  attendant  be  discharged  immediately.  The  employer  has  no 
right  to  dictate  how  or  in  what  way  his  horse  shall  be  treated  when 
he  abandons  him  to  scientific  men.  The  science  of  medicine  is 
never  a  "  God-send."  No  man  is  thus  favorcil.  It  is  the  rcsuic 
of  diligent  ai)plication  and  study,  in  and  out  of  the  dissccting-ro(^m, 
and  the  legitimate  student  of  medicine  is  a  person  entitled  to  the 
full  confidence  of  reasonable  men  for  its  legitimate  practice. 
Therefore,  we  contend  that  the  qualifications  of  a  veterinary  sur- 
geon should  never  be  estimated  in  ratio  to  the  quantity  of  drugs 
administered,  nor  the  length  of  his  newly-invented  syringe,  nor 
oy  the  number  of  instruments  contained  in  his  pocket-case ;  but 
oy  Ins  works  let  him  be  judged. 

There  is  one  practice,  prevalent  among  some  horsemen,  which 
we  very  much  deplore;  that  is,  the  drenching  of  sick  animals  with 
gin,  pei)per,  and  molasses.  This  is  a  universal  stable  panacea  in 
certain  quarters,  and  is  often  the  cause  of  much  pain  and  annoy- 
ance to  the  animal,  and  more  frequently  of  an  aggravated  form 
of  disease.  Gin,  or  the  fire-water  sold  under  that  name,  is  not 
always  to  be  procured  pure.  A  great  deal  of  it  appears  to  us  to 
be  composed  of  spirits  of  turpentine,  new  rum,  and  spirits  of  juniper, 
wiiich,  of  course,  in  certain  cases,  excites  inflammatory  action,  ^ye 
have  seen  a  horse's  mouth  in  a  most  shocking  condition — the  in- 
terior surfaces  almost  completely  denuded — after  a  drench  of  the 
same ;  consequently,  in  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  stomach  or 
bowels,  (which  the  stable  oracles  are  apt  to  mistake  for  colic,  or 
"  bots,"  as  they  term  it,)  the  remedy  Qjoison)  is  certainly  objection- 
able, because  it  not  only  operates  unfavorably  on  the  horse  by  ig- 
gvavatiug  the  disease,  and  sometimes  changing  a  sim])le  into  a  gva  v  e 
one,  but  umch  valuable  time  is  lost,  in  not  sending  for  a  compottn: 
person  to  treat  the  case.  Besides,  if  a  medical  man  be  called  vu 
after  (he  animal  has  been  improperly  treated,  he  then  has  t«o 
things  to  contend  against:  a  medicinal  disease  and  the  original 
one;  and  the  former  ia  sometimes  more  diflieult  to  control  than 
the  latter;  and  this  is  the  reason  why  some  medical  men,  ourselves 
included,  refuse  to  take  charge  of  what  we  term  a  second-hand 
rase. 

The  nbove  case  illustrates  our  arcfument      The  remedies  were 


182  DADD'S  VETERINAKY  MEDICINL  AND  SURGERl. 

not  adapted  to  the  emergency.  Even  the  simple  article  moiasse« 
was  objectionable,  because  it  is  an  acid.  The  case  required  alka- 
lies, in  the  form  of  ammonia  or  chloride  of  lime.  Gin  was  ob- 
jectionable, because  it  is  an  excitant  of  the  brain  and  nervous 
system,  when,  instead  of  the  brain,  the  stomach  ought  to  have 
been  stimulated.  Niter,  which  was  given,  is  an  agent  that  in- 
<,reases  urinary  discharges  only,  and,  therefore,  was  not  needed. 
The  trouble  was  in  the  stomach — to  arouse  its  function  and  con- 
dense the  gas  which  distended  the  same.  Alkalies  and  touios 
should  have  been  administered,  follo'ved  by  such  other  treatment 
as  the  nature  of  the  case  demanded.  We  look  upon  this  gin  and 
molasses  treatment  as  decidedly  unprofitable  to  owners  of  live 
stock.  It  savors  too  much  of  our  grandmothers'  castor-oil  prac- 
tice, which  often  proves  more  heroic  than  salutary,  does  more 
harm  than  good,  and,  at  the  present  day,  is  decidedly  unpopular. 
Our  advice  to  horse-owners,  therefore,  is,  if  you  have  a  sick 
animal,  and  can  not  comprehend  the  nature  of  the  disease,  never 
attempt  to  prescribe  for  him,  but  call  in  the  aid  of  a  professional 
man.  We  give  this  advice  under  the  conviction  that  domestic 
unimals  are  subject  to  many  of  the  diseases  that  aflQict  our  race  j 
that  the  treatment  should  be  somewhat  analagous,  and  the  tact 
dnd  skill  not  inferior,  but  superior,  to  that  of  the  human  practi- 
tioner. 

Gorged,  or  Over-distended  Stomach, 

(Commonly  catjkt)  "Grain  Foundfr."' 

Goiged  stomach  is  usually  the  result  of  overfeeding,  ty  whicn 
m^ans  the  stomach  becomes  overtaxed  in  its  function,  or  over 
burdened  in  its  capacity;  so  that,  in  the  first  place,  digestion  is 
partially  or  totally  suspended;  and,  secondly,  the  stomach,  being 
distended  beyond  its  physiological  capacity,  can  not  perfi)rm  the 
mechanical  action,  viz. :  contraction  and  expansion,  so  necessary 
for  the  physiological  process  of  digestion.  The  act  of  digestioii  iy 
'^nsummated  through  the  aid  of  Nature's  chemistry,  by  means  of 
thr  salivial  fluids,  bile  and  pancreatic  juice.  These  are  the  solvents 
of  all  the  digestible  food.  This  chemical  action  receives  much  aid 
in  the  mechanical  action  of  the  muscular  fibers  of  the  stomach, 
which,  by  alternate  contractions  and  expansions,  keep  not  only  the 
stomach  in  motion,  but  also  its  contents,  and  thus  the  food  is  di- 
gested. As  regards  overfeeding,  however,  it  may  be  proper  tc 
remark,  lest  the  groom  or  feedej  take  offens'^,  that  an  animal  may 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  183 

be  regularly  fed  from  meal  to  meal  (uot  carelessly  overfed),  yet 
the  stomach,  being  disordered,  does  not  digest  the  usual  meal.  A 
p(jrtion  of  it  is  "  left  over,"  as  the  saying  is,  and  thus  gradually 
a<x;umulates  in  that  organ,  until  over-distension,  with  its  conse- 
quences, commands  our  attention.  The  reader  must  also  bear  in 
mind  that  horses  sometimes  free  themselves  from  the  halter  at 
night,  or  when  the  groom  is  absent,  and  voluntarily  gorge  them- 
selves ;  therefore  the  person  who  has  charge  of  and  feeds  the  sub- 
ject is  not  always  at  fault.  When  engorgement  of  the  stomach 
occurs,  and  is  associated  with  flatulency,  the  sufferings  are  doubly 
severe,  because  then  the  intestines  are  also  the  seat  of  distension, 
and  the  pain  from  that  alone  is  sometimes  terrific. 

The  following  case,  which  lately  occurred  in  the  author's  prac- 
tice, fully  illustrates  the  condition  just  alluded  to.  The  subject 
was  a  bay  gelding,  aged  about  seven  years,  the  owner  of  which  in- 
formed me  that  the  animal  had,  in  the  early  part  of  the  morning, 
broken  loose  from  his  stall,  and  immediately  commenced  a  des- 
ptiiate  attack  on  a  bag  of  oats,  which  happened  to  be  within  reach. 
The  horse  was  known  as  a  ravenous  feeder,  and  the  probability  ia 
that  he  did  not  spare  the  oats,  but  took  a  pretty  large  dose,  so  as 
to  over-distend  his  stomach.  The  services  of  the  animal  being  re- 
quired, a  few  hours  afterward  he  was  hitched  up.  He  soon,  how- 
ever, showed  symptoms  of  distress,  attempted  to  lie  down,  and 
finally  got  into  a  profuse  perspiration.  Shortly  after  this,  my 
attention  was  called  to  him.  I  found  the  patient  in  great  distress- 
las  head  pendulous;  breathing,  much  embarrassed;  pulse,  very 
itipid ;  body,  bedewed  with  a  chilly  perspiration ;  legs  and  ears, 
cold ;  continual  eructations  of  gas ;  at  the  same  time  efforts  to 
vomit,  which  brought  away  nothing  more  than  salival  secretion, 
which,  however,  was  quite  profuse.  The  patient  rolled  and  tum- 
bled about  considerably,  and  would  occasionally  stand  up  for  a  few 
bc<3onds  at  a  time. 

Treatment. — It  appeared  that  the  indications,  in  view  of  relit f, 
were  to  arouse  the  action  of  the  stomach,  and,  at  the  same  time,  to 
arrest  fermentation.  I  was  under  the  impre&sion  that  the  conienta 
of  the  gorged  stomach  could  only  be  got  rid  of  in  the  ordinary  way, 
viz. :  by  digestion.  I  am  aware  that  it  is  customary  to  give  drastic 
cathartics,  in  view  of  getting  rid  of  the  contents  of  the  ston\ach  • 
ret  I  would  not  advise  the  reader  to  do  this,  for  the  horse  may  die 

<fl  St  medicine  operates.    The  following  drench  was  administered ; 


184  DADU'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

No.  20    Fluid  extract  of  ginger 1  os. 

Fluid  extract  of  golden  seal 2  oz. 

H yposulpliite  of  soda 2  drachmB. 

Water 4  oz. 

After  ttie  exhibition  of  tlie  above,  I  threw  into  the  rectum  » 
cou])le  of  quarts  of  soap-suds,  to  which  was  added  a  liandful  of 
salt.  In  tlie  course  of  about  an  hour  the  animal  appeared  to  Ix 
somewhat  relieved,  and  passed  a  large  quantity  of  tats,  whole. 
I  repeated  the  dose ;  also  the  enema.  The  patient  very  soon  after- 
ward passed  a  large  quantity  of  excrement,  mixed  with. oats,  and 
?o.rapidly  improved  that  I  left  him,  and  did  not  see  him  until  the 
aext  morning,  when  he  appeared  to  have  entirely  recovered. 
'vVith  the  exception  of  a  bran-ma.sh  or  two,  the  above  comprise" 
^he  whole  of  the  treatment. 

It  was  lucky  for  the  horse  as  well  as  the  parties  concerned  that 
the  animal  did  not  get  corn  instead  of  oats;  for  the  same  quantity 
of  corn  would  have  surely  caused  death,  from  the  fact  that  wlicn  this 
irticle  of  fodder  is  submitted,  within  the  stomach,  to  the  action  of 
lieat  and  moisture,  it  increases  in  bulk  in  a  ratio  of  about  five  to 
one,  and  the  usual  result  is  ru]-)ture  of  the  stomach.  Still,  should 
any  of  our  readers  be  called  upon  to  treat  a  case  of  the  latter  kind, 
there  is  no  other  plan  of  treatment  with  which  I  am  acquainted 
that  will  be  likely  to  succeed  in  saving  the  animal  than  the  one 
here  indicated. 

Another  case. — The  patient,  a  gray  gelding,  aged  about  eight 
years,  the  property  of  Messrs.  Wright  &  Bros.,  of  Chicago,  had 
performed  an  ordinary  day's  work  without  showing  any  symptoms 
of  ill-health.  About  five  o'clock  in  the  evening  he  was  unhar- 
nessed and  ]>ut  up  for  the  nigh.t.  In  a  few  minutes  it  was  noticed 
that  he  began  to  bloat,  and  that  the  abdomen  increased  in  size  very 
rapidly.  A  messenger  was  immediately  dispatched  for  me.  (^ 
arriving  at  the  stable,  I  found  the  animal  in  a  very  dangerous  con- 
dition. The  abdomen  was  enormously  distended,  and  an  eructation 
of  gas  from  the  stomach,  by  the  mouth,  was  ccntinuall;  occurring. 
The  respirations  were  laborious  and  accelerated,  and  very  nnich 
quickened;  ])ul.se,  very  indistinct;  extremities  and  suiface  of  the 
body;  quite  chilly ;  rectum,  protru<ling ;  and  the  animal  was  very 
uneasy,  and  appeared  to  suffer  much  pain.  Occasionally  he  would 
get  down  and  make  desperate  efforts  to  roll  on  his  back,  yet  he 
did  not  succeed,  for  he  was  round  as  a  barrel  ;  an^  when  he  c  aid 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  185 

iicarcely  stand  aloue,  in  fact,  required  the  services  of  three  men  to 
steady  him,  he  could  walk,  and  seemed  most  at  ease  when  kept 
in  motion.  I  commenced  immediately  to  inject  warm  soap-suds 
into  the  rectum ;  but  so  soon  as  the  fluid  entered  the  same  it  was 
immediately  ejected,  there  being  no  room  for  it  within,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  distension  of  the  walls  of  the  intestines,  which 
piessed  on  the  rectum.  I  next  attempted  to  administer  a  colic 
drench,  composed  of  ginger,  golden  seal,  and  hyposulphite  of  soda, 
but  did  not  succeed  in  getting  much  of  it  down ;  for  as  soon  as  the 
fluid  entered  the  aesophagus,  it  was  met  by  a  volume  of  eructating 
gas,  which  brought  the  fluid  back  by  way  of  the  mouth  and  nos- 
trils. I  learned,  however,  that,  previous  to  my  arrival,  Mr. 
Smith,  the  foreman,  had  succeeded  in  drenching  the  patient  with 
a  full  dose  of  the  colic  mixture.  This  probably  had  the  effect  of 
limiting  the  generation  of  gas ;  otherwise  the  animal  might  have 
died  ere  my  arrival.  The  case  now  appeared  almost  hopeless ;  so 
I  procured  a  trocar  and  canula,  and  plunged  them  through  the 
flank  into  the  large  intestines.  (See  puncture  of  the  intestines). 
On  withdrawing  the  cutting  instrument,  a  steady  volume  of  gaa 
issued  through  the  canula  for  a  period  of  ten  minutes.  The  relief 
was  immediate.  I  next  gave  a  dose  of  colic  drench,  and  left  the 
animal  in  charge  of  the  owner  for  the  night.  Early  next  morn- 
ing I  visited  the  animal,  and  found  that  he  was  all  right.  He  was 
fed  lightly  for  a  few  days,  and,  without  any  other  medical  treat- 
ment, was  r.gain  put  to  work. 

The  dangers  tc  be  apprehended  in  cases  of  this  character  are 
nther  rupture  of  the  intestines  or  diaphragm.  In  either  case, 
death  is  sure  and  certain.  Sometimes,  however,  neither  of  these 
rui)tures  occur;  then  the  distended  intestines  exert  such  pressu)e 
on  the  diaphragm  and  organs  of  respiration  that  the  animal  dies 
^f  fsuflbcation  and  loss  of  pulse.  AYhen,  therefore,  it  becomes  ira- 
jwtesible  for  the  patient  to  swallow  medicine,  in  a  case  of  this  char- 
acter, recourse  must  bf  had  to  the  trocar  and  canula,  in  view  of 
liberating  the  imprisoned  gas.  The  lack  of  a  little  knowledge  on 
this  subject  has  been  the  cause  of  the  loss  of  very  many  valuable 
horses 


iM  yADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Meteorization   or  Sudden  Distension  of  the 
Intestines. 

Meteorization  is  the  name  given  to  a  disease  known  as  bloat  ol 
hoven  in  cattle.  When  it  appears  in  a  horse,  it  receives  the  abcve 
jamc,  or  else  is  termed  acute  tympanitis.  This  form  of  windy  or 
tvmpanitic  distension  is  always  sudden  in  its  attack;  animals  ap- 
parently in  the  very  best  of  health  all  at  once  show  symptoms  of 
enormous  distension  of  the  abdomen,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few 
moments,  their  lives  may  be  said  to  be  in  peril.  The  distension 
of  the  stomach  and  intestines  is  due  to  the  presence  of  an  immense 
volume  of  gas — probably  carbureted  hydrogen — which  augments 
either  by  spontaneous  generation,  or  in  consequence  of  the  food 
running  into  fermentation  instead  of  being  digested. 

Cause. — As  regards  the  cause  of  this  malady,  we  may,  with 
safety,  assert  that  it  is  the  result  of  a  temporary  derangement  of 
either  the  digestive  function  or  the  organs  of  digestion ;  and  such 
condition  is  inaugurated  by  overtaxing  that  function,  or  those 
organs  which  carry  it  on,  either  by  feeding  indigestible  food,  or  in 
feeding  with  too  liberal  a  hand.  I  have  noticed  that  many  ani- 
mals have  periodical  attacks  of  this  malady.  Such  are  said  to  be 
voracious  feeders.  Their  abdomen  is  unusually  large,  and  out  of 
proportion  to  other  parts  of  the  body;  hence,  in  so  far  as  their 
conformation  is  concerned,  they  may  be  said  to  be  predisposed; 
yet  the  disease  sometimes  occurs  accidentally,  and  without  the 
intervention  of  any  hereditary  tendency. 

Physiologists  contend  that  very  many  diseases  which  afflict 
horses  are  due  to  hereditary  tendencies.  For  example,  diarrhea 
and  colic  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  hereditary,  inasmuch  as  they  are 
very  prone  to  attack  animals  of  particular  form  and  constitution, 
as  those  with  narrow  loins,  large  sides,  and  of  what  is  generally 
termed  a  ''  washy  "  appearance.  If  such  animals  be  overworked, 
especially  boon  after  being  fed,  if  their  food  be  suddenly  changed, 
or  if  they  be  allowed  an  unusual  quantity  of  water,  they  are  almost 
cjertain  to  be  attacked  by  purging  or  tympanitis.  The  tendency  of 
these  diseases  appears,  in  such  cases,  to  depend  on  a  want  cf  adjust- 
ment among  the  different  organs  of  the  body — a  want  of  balanoe 
among  the  functions  of  digestion,  circulation,  and  respiration. 

The  following  case  will  give  the  reader  some  idea  of  the  symp- 
toms and  treatment  of  this  malady : 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGaNS.  187 

History  of  the  Case. — The  horse  had  perfornietl  his  usual  dailv 
labor,  without  anj  fault-fimh'ng  on  tlie  part  of  liis  driver,  when, 
all  at  once,  he  commenced  to  bloat,  appeared  uneasy,  and,  bv 
his  actions,  demonstrated  very  conclusively  that  he  needed  some 
assistance.  On  examination,  I  found  that  the  abdomen  was  dis- 
fended  to  its  utmost  capacity.  The  walls  of  the  abdomen  were 
rigid  as  a  plank,  and  the  respirations,  in  consequence  of  the  great 
pressure  on  tiie  diaj)iiragm  and  lungs,  were  very  laborious  and 
mi;<'l  accelerated,  amounting  to  about  one  liundred  per  minute. 
The  pulse  was  thready  and  indistinct;  the  tongue,  livid;  eyes, 
glassy  and  protruding;  surface  of  the  body,  bedewed  with  a  cold, 
clammy  perspiration;  paralysis  ot  the  optic  nerve  had  set  in,  and 
the  animal  was  "blind  as  a  bat;"  in  fact,  he  was  dead  to  all  in- 
tents and  purposes.  This  was  not  the  worst  feature  of  the  case. 
Ho  was  continually  vomiting  from  both  nostrils,  and,  as  the  story 
goes,  "a  horse  that  vomits  surely  dies."  Occasionally  the  animal 
would  fall  on  the  ground  with  violence,  and  then  assume  a  vari- 
ety of  positions,  in  view  of  finding  some  relief,  but,  alas !  to  no 
purpose.  His  agony  was  intense,  and  there  seemed  to  be  no  re- 
lief for  him,  unless  by  a  surgical  operation.  ^Medicine  was  out 
of  the  question  ;  the  animal  had  lost  the  power  of  swallowing,  and 
m  attempt  to  administer  a  drench  would  have  choked  him  to 
death;  so  I  selected  the  most  salient  or  tympanitic  spot  on  tlie 
left  flank,  and  then  sent  a  trocar  and  canula  through  the  walls  of 
the  abdomen  into  the  large  intestine.  So  soon  as  I  had  withdrawn 
the  trocar,  the  gas  escajwd  very  rapidly  through  the  tube,  making 
R  noise  like  a  steam-whistle.  The  animal  obtained  almost  imme- 
V.atc  relief,  and  the  bad  symptoms  rapidly  subsided,  so  that  I  was 
taabled  to  give  a  colic  drench.  This  operated  to  prevent  fer- 
flientation,  and  gave  tone  to  the  digestive  organs.  Two  subse- 
quent drenches,  of  four  ounces  each,  were  given,  and  at  the  end 
of  twenty-four  hours  the  animal  w-as  taken  home.  The  slight 
wound  made  through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen  into  the  intestine 
liealed  readily,  so  that  I  had  no  trouble  with  that ;  and,  to  con- 
clude, I  would  inform  the  reader  that  puncture  of  the  intestine  ia 
ih-e  only  rational  plan  of  treatment  in  a  case  of  this  character. 

Colic  drench  is  made  up  of  the  following  ingredients: 

No.  21.  Fluiil  extraf  ,  of  ginger 2  oa. 

Fluid  extracc  of  golden  peal 2  oi. 

Hyposulphite  of  soda 1   ot. 


i88  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surgery 

Tympanitis  (Belly  filled  with  Gas). 

Chse  in  IllvMration. — At  midnight,  June  16, 1865, 1  waa  ciilleQ 
upon  to  visit  a  horse  afflicted  with  this  disease.  On  arriving  at 
the  stable,  I  found  the  animal  on  the  floor,  app-Jrently  in  great 
agony.  The  abdomen  was  distended  with  gas  .o  an  immense 
caj>aeity ;  the  pulse  was  feeble ;  respirations  accelerated,  and  very 
laborious;  body  was  bedewed  with  a  cold,  clammy  perspiration; 
lips  of  the  ears,  cold;  extremities  in  a  similar  condition.  Eruc- 
tations of  gas  from  the  stomach,  by  the  way  of  the  mouth,  were 
constantly  occurring,  indicating  that  the  stomach,  as  well  as  the 
intestines,  were  occupied  with  gas.  The  animal  had  bruised  him 
self  very  badly  in  struggling,  and  extensive  abrasion  of  the  skin 
had  taken  place  in  various  parts  of  the  body.  I  was  informed 
that  the  horse  had  just  returned  from  a  very  long  journey,  an«. 
had  not  tasted  food  for  sixteen  hours.  On  arriving  at  the  stable, 
where  I  found  him,  a  bountiful  supply  was  placed  before  him.  In 
his  weak  and  exhausted  condition,  this  was  about  the  worst  thai 
could  have  been  done ;  for  the  stomach  and  digestive  organs, 
sharing,  either  by  direct  sympathy  or  otherwise,  with  other  parts 
of  the  body,  were  not  in  a  fit  state,  until  a  period  of  rest  had  oc- 
curred, to  digest  even  a  small  quantity  of  food.  The  cravings  of 
hunger,  or  a  morbid  appetite,  induced  the  animal  to  devour  most, 
if  not  all,  of  what  was  placed  before  him.  The  consequence  was, 
the  food,  instead  of  undergoing  digestion,  ran  into  fermentation, 
and  generated  gas  known  as  sulphureted  hydrogen. 

Treoiment. — The  animal  was  urged  to  rise.  I  then  gave  him  a 
colic  drench,  composed  of  two  ounces  of  fluid  extract  of  golden 
eieal,  and  one  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda.  The  surface  of  the 
body  was  then  rubbed  with  wisps  of  straw,  which  produced  somo 
reaction,  so  that  the  surface  of  the  patient  became  warmer.  Oc- 
casionally the  animal  was  led  about  for  a  short  distance,  and  then 
was  led  back  again  to  the  stall,  where  he  would  get  down,  and  roll 
and  tumble  about,  as  if  in  great  agony.  I  administered  enemas 
of  soap-suds  and  salt,  but  did  not  succeed  in  bringing  away  either 
feces  or  gas,  and  all  the  gas  which  escaped  from  the  alimentary 
cavity  passed  by  the  mouth.  Two  hours  after  the  administration 
of  tlie  first  dose,  finding  that  the  animal  was  still  unrelieved,  I 
repeated  the  dose  of  colic  drench,  and  threw  soap-suds  into  thf 
rectum.     Soon  after  some  feces  were  v  .  ded,  and  with  them  quan- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  189 

titles  of  gas.  A  slight  improvement  was  soon  perccptiLIe,  yet  il 
appeared  that  the  fernieutation  was  still  going  on,  ae  the  abdomen 
did  not  decrease  in  volume;  so  I  gave  two  ounces  of  hyposulphite 
of  soda,  in  view  of  arresting  the  generation  of  gas.  This  had  the 
desired  effect;  for,  as  the  gas  was  liberated,  the  abdomen  decreased 
in  size.  It  was  not,  however,  until  a  lapse  of  ten  hours  from  the 
attack  that  the  patient  obtained  complete  relief  from  his  suffer- 
ings. This  case  only  differs  from  meteorization  in  the  sudden- 
ness of  the  attack  of  the  former. 

Persons  who  attempt  to  treat  cases  of  this  character  must  extr- 
cise  due  patience.  The  animal  must  suffer  a  certain  length  of 
time,  notwithstanding  the  best-selected  remedies  are  exhibited. 
In  other  words,  the  reader  is  advised  not  to  be  in  too  much  of  a 
hurry  in  getting  the  anhiial  on  its  legs  again.  Take  good  care 
of  him;  give  him  })lenty  of  bedding  to  rest  or  roll  on;  in  short, 
Qur«5e  him  as  if  he  were  a  child,  and,  above  all,  do  not  give  him 
too  much  medicine. 

Fl^  ruLENT  Colic. 

This  is  a  disease  of  very  frequent  occurrence  among  horses.  It 
is  known  by  a  distension  of  the  intestines  and  abdomen,  with 
flatus  or  gas.  In  the  early  stage,  no  jierceptible  abdominal  dis- 
tension occurs,  yet  it  very  soon  manifests  itself.  One  way  of  sat- 
isfying ourselves  of  the  presence  of  flatus  is,  to  apj)ly  the  ear  to 
the  abdominal  region,  within  which  a  sort  of  active  rumbling  is 
heard,  often  accompanied  by  a  tinkling  or  metallic  sound.  But 
while  making  our  examination,  we  may,  perhaps,  ])crceive  that 
the  horse  passes  flatus  by  the  anus,  or  eructates  it  from  the  stom- 
ach by  the  mouth.  In  either  case,  our  doubts,  if  we  have  any, 
are  set  at  rest.  This  feature  of  flatulency,  accomj)anied  by  others 
which  will  be  alluded  to,  complete  the  chain  of  evidence. 

In  some  eases  the  gas  accumulates  in  the  large  intestines  until 
the  abdomen  resembles,  in  size,  that  of  an  ox  when  "hoven."  It 
ie  very  distressing  to  witness  the  sufferings  of  an  animal  in  thia 
condition  ;  and  when  the  intestines  are  so  enormously  distended 
as  to  threaten  rupture,  the  only  chance  of  relief  is  to  send  a  trocar 
and  canula  through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  into  some  portion 
of  the  distended  intestine,  and  thus  liberate  the  gas. 

l>tjin])fo)ns.-  -It  may  be  well  to  bear  in  mind  that  flatulent  colic 


190  DADD'S  VLIERINARY  MEDICINE  AJNL  SURGERY. 

is  always  sudden  in  its  attack,  and  some  horses  are  liable  to  it  under 
every  variety  of  circumstance — in  the  stable,  on  the  road,  or  at 
grass.  At  the  commencement  of  the  attack  the  animal  becomes 
uneasy  from  pain,  and  commences  to  paw  with  his  fore-feet.  H. 
soon  gets  down,  and,  if  space  be  sufficient,  he  commences  to  roll 
from  side  to  side,  often  remaining  for  a  few  moments  on  his  ba<  k, 
in  which  position  he  seems  to  obtain  temporary  relief.  Sometimes, 
s  quick  as  thought,  he  is  on  his  legs  again,  gives  the  body  a  shake, 
and  then  anxiously  regards  his  flanks,  by  turning  his  head  toward 
one  side  or  the  other,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  Here  is  the  seat  o^  nij 
trouble."  Soon  he  is  down  again  on  the  floor,  rolling  and  tum- 
bling about.  Now  and  then  the  animal  remains  quiet  for  a  time, 
in  a  sort  of  crouching  attitude,  the  limbs  being  gathered  beneath 
the  body,  until  the  distension  is  so  great,  or  the  pains  so  severe, 
that  he  must  shift  his  position,  when  again  we  find  him  rolling, 
or  standing  with  his  hind  extremities  stretched  backward,  and  the 
fore  ones  advanced,  thus  representing  the  attitude  of  a  horse  in  the 
act  of  urinating.  Supposing,  at  this  period,  that  there  be  no  flat- 
ulency present,  yet  the  respirations  are  hurried,  tlie  pulse  wiiy, 
the  eyes  glassy,  and  the  patient  excessively  nervous  and  uncon- 
trollable, the  case  is  then  of  a  spasmodic  character  (see  Spasmodic 
Colic) ;  but  should  the  animal  pass  flatus,  or  the  abdomen  increase 
in  volume,  the  case  is  unmistakable — it  is  flatulent  colic. 

Causes. — I  shall  now  offer  some  brief  remarks  on  the  cause  of 
colic.  If  we  could  only  stretch  the  imagination,  so  as  to  take  for 
granted  all  the  popular  causes  assigned  for  the  production  of  colic, 
then  their  name  w^ould  be  legion.  Some  waiters  inform  us  that  a 
drink  of  cold  water,  when  the  animal  is  heated,  is  the  most  potent 
cause.  Then  we  must  infer  that  the  horses  ridden  by  the  Russian 
Cossacs,  in  a  country  where  cold  water  is  abundant,  should  l)e  the 
subjects  of  colic;  but  the  very  reverse  is  the  case.  The  disease  is 
almost  unknown  among  them. 

Previous  to  the  introduction  of  Cochituate  water  into  the  city 
of  Boston,  colic  occurring  among  horses  was  partially  attributed 
to  the  cold  well-water  then  used;  but  now  they  all  drink  the 
former,  yet  colic  is  just  as  prevalent,  and,  iDdeed,  more  so,  than 
at  the  time  referred  to. 

There  are  no  people  that  pay  more  attention  to  the  watering  ol 
horses  than  the  English  grooms,  and  it  is  customary,  when  a  horse 
is  takrn  from  his  home  to  a  distant  race-course,  to  remain  a^ar 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  191 

inly  a  few  days,  to  have  sufficient  water  transported  with  him 
to  last  during  his  stay,  such  a  dread  have  English  grooms  of 
"  strange  water,"  as  they  term  it.  Now,  it  is  a  notorious  fact  thai 
Eno-lish  horses  are  more  subject  to  bowel  affections  than  those  of 
this  country.  From  this  circumstance,  I  infer  that  bowel  affec- 
tions are  hereditary,  or,  in  othei  words,  a  predisposition  to  such 
U  transmitted  from  parents  to  offspring. 

I  can  well  remember  the  time  when  physicians  would  not  allow 
a  fever  patient  to  taste  water ;  but  now  they  act  more  in  accord- 
ance with  reason,  and  allow  the  sick  just  what  they  crave  for.  It 
is  not  good  polic) ,  however,  to  allow  a  horse,  w^hen  performing  a 
journey,  a  bountiful  supply  of  water,  because  active  exercise  some- 
what suspends  the  digestive  function,  and,  therefore,  the  water 
may  remain  in  a  portion  of  the  large  intestines  without  undergo- 
ing the  usual  transformation.  It  then  occupies  space,  and,  being 
weighty,  may,  in  the  rapid  movements  of  the  animal,  operate  un- 
favorably in  various  ways,  more  particularly  on  the  gut  itself^  it 
being  pendulous  from  the  spine. 

A  horse  is  often  brought  into  the  stable  in  a  state  of  profuse  i)er- 
spiration,  and,  of  course,  is  somewhat  exhausted.  Now,  it  would 
be  decidedly  wrong  to  either  feed  or  water  him  until  he  is  rubbed 
dry,  and  has  rested  awhile;  for,  at  such  times  food  is  just  as  likely, 
and,  I  think,  more  so  than  water,  to  operate  unfavorably  on  an 
exhausted  animal.  Many  horses,  however,  even  when  in  this 
exhausted  state,  will  fill  their  stomachs  with  food  and  water,  and 
yet  enjoy  immunity  from  colic.  Therefore,  should  colic  occur  in  a 
Dorse  after  he  has  had  a  hard  drive,  he  having  partaken  of  a 
draught  of  water,  it  is  rather  difficult  to  decide  which  of  the  two, 
if  either,  was  the  cause  of  the  malady.  One  fact  is  certain,  and 
that  is,  the  stomach  is  deranged,  and,  therefore,  fermentation  pre- 
cedes digestion  ;  hence  the  gas. 

Notwidistanding  our  best  efforts  to  prevent  it,  colic  will  occa- 
sionally occur.  Green  grass,  clover,  carrots,  and  turnips  are  said 
to  occasion  it.  Then,  again,  it  appears  in  stables,  where  nothing 
but  corn,  oats,  and  hay  are  used.  One  horse  is  attacked  imme- 
diately after  a  draught  of  cold  water ;  another  has  the  chill  taken 
off  his,  yet  he  is  often  found  in  the  same  ])rediranient.  "Warm 
water  is  the  most  insipid  and  nauseating  drink  tliat  you  can  offer 
a  horse;  and  many  would  prefer  to  continue  thirsty  for  some  time 
ere  they  would  imbibe  it. 


192  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

It  is  well  known  to  physiologists,  and  I  presume  tlie  rea<1ei 
mnst  have  observed,  that  both  men  and  animals  inherit  peculiai 
idiosyncrasies.  Each  are  predisposed,  either  tlirougli  parental  de- 
fect, temperament,  or  conformation,  to  certain  forms  of  disease. 
Phis  peculiarity,  or  predisposition,  is  said  to  lurk  in  breed,  and 
those  conversant  with  the  horse's  structure  and  temperament  can 
readily  determine  whether  he  be  predisposed  to  certain  forms  of 
disease  or  not.  For  example,  a  horse  predisposed  to  flatulent  colic 
is  often  observed  to  have  a  capacious  belly,  voracious  appetite,  and 
does  not  properly  masticate  his  food  ;  and  he  is  not  over-j)articular 
as  to  the  kind  of  diet,  for  we  often  find  him  devouring,  with  ap- 
parent relish,  the  filthy  stjaw  that  has  served  as  bedding.  Often 
he  proves  to  be  a  "  cri j-})iter."  '^Cribbing  is  a  defect,  either  in- 
herited or  acquired.)  Ordinal  ily  the  salivial  fluid  is  augmented, 
yet  it  does  not  look  healthy ;  "t  is  more  like  soap-suds,  and  of  a 
dirty  color.  The  tongue  is  also  foul,  and  the  breath  somewhat 
fetid.  One  or  more  of  these  peculiarities  generally  predominate 
in  colicky  horses.  I  contend,  therefore,  that  some  horses  are  pre- 
disposed to  colic;  and  this  explains  the  reason  why  the  ordinary 
exciting  causes,  such  as  cold  water,  exposure,  fatigue,  irritating 
food  and  medicine,  are  operative  on  the  system  of  one  horse  and 
iDoperative  on  that  of  another.  Colic  is  the  heritage  of  some  of 
the  best  horses  in  the  world. 

Now,  should  the  question  be  asked,  "What  are  the  causes  of  colic? 
I  answer.  It  is  occasioned  by  predisposing,  direct  and  indirect 
causes,  operating  conjointly  or  not.  In  all  cases  of  colic,  the 
function  of  the  stomach  is  either  disturbed  or  partly  susj)ended. 

Treatment, — The  principal  objects  in  the  cure  of  colic  are,  to 
restore  the  tone  of  the  stomach,  by  means  of  stinuilants  and  tonics, 
and  to  arrest  fermentation  and  absorb  the  gases  of  the  alimentar) 
canal.  I  shall  not  undertake  to  say  that  thj  remedies  here  alluded 
to  are  the  very  best ;  but,  as  I  have  met  with  remarkable  huccesd 
in  their  use,  I  can  safely  recommend  them.  I  have  an  imjiression 
that  when  a  horse  is  the  subject  of  colic,  he  requies  to  be  treated 
just  as  any  intelligent  ])hysician  would  treat  one  of  us.  There 
is  no  necessity  to  convert  his  Bt«.)niach  into  a  "sh)p-sliop."  The 
patient  should  be  treatetl  in  a  rational  manner,  by  the  same  meana 
and  with  the  same  skill  as  if  one  of  our  race  were  c<tncerned. 

I  do  not  like  to  see  an  animal  trotted  up  one  street  an<i  dowc 
another,  followed  by  a  biped,  whip  in  hand,  and  a  crowd  of  idlers 


DISEASES  OF  THE   DIGESTIVE  ORGANS  193 

when  he  is  the  subject  of  excruciating  abdominal  pains,  and  the 
sweat  is  pouring  off  him  like  rain,  from  sheer  agony.  The  cus- 
tom is  decidedly  wrong.  Our  reasoning  faculties  confirm  this 
opinion ;  and  what  reason  teaches,  man  should  endeavor  to  put  in 
practice.  Xo  practitioner  of  human  medicine  dare  advise  such  a 
oourse  a.s  compelling  a  man  to  hop  off  a  bed  of  sickness,  and  start 
on  a  fast  trot  up  and  down  stairs ;  for,  should  he  so  advise,  he 
would  very  soon  entitle  himself  to  a  ticket  ot  leave,  Shouiu, 
however,  the  attack  be  slight,  a  little  walking  exercise  does  nu 
harm;  and  if  the  patient  appears  disposed  to  roll,  it  were  l)ettet 
to  let  him  do  so — on  the  ground,  rather  than  in  a  narrow  stall. 

My  usual  directions  are :  Give  the  patient  a  wide  stall  and 
plenty  of  bedding.  Let  him  lie  down,  rise,  and  tumble  about 
just  as  much  as  he  pleases,  only  watch  and  see  that  no  accident 
happens  to  the  animal.  The  colic  drench  used  by  the  author; 
during  the  past  ten  years,  is  composed  of  the  following : 

No.  22.   Fluid  extract  of  Jamaica  ginger 2  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  golden  seal 1  oz. 

Powdered  hyposulphite  of  soda 1  oz. 

Water 4  oz. 

Dissolve  the  hyposulphite  of  soda  in  the  water,  then  add  the 
other  ingredients  to  it.     The  dose  may  be  repeated,  if  necessary. 

A  good  wisp  of  straw,  vigorously  api)lied  to  the  belly  and  flanks, 
and  also  to  the  limbs,  may  do  some  good,  because  we  thus  preserve 
the  equilibrium  of  the  circulation.  Enemas  of  soap-suds  shoTild 
be  administered  often,  and,  provided  the  case  be  a  curable  one, 
the  horse  will  soon  recover. 


Spasmodic  Colic. 

The  uaital  causes  of  spasmodic  colic  are,  mental  emotions,  ex- 
ternal chilliness  by  exposure,  cold  water  drank  hastily,  drastic 
cathartics,  poisons,  etc.  Spasmodic  colic  is  usually  confined  to  the 
fimall  intestines,  and  they  become  cramped  and  contorted.  In  thia 
condition  the  patient  is  much  tortured.  The  pain  oc<usionally 
remits,  and  the  patient  will  appear  easy,  but  only  for  a  short  time 
[n  some  cases  the  patient  will  stamji  and  paw  almost  contiiuuilly, 
and  strike  his  belly.  He  throws  himself  viokntly  on  the  floor, 
snd  occasionally  rolls  on  his  back.  The  abdomen  is  not  distended^ 
*«  in  the  ease  of  flatulent  colic,  but  is  rather  tucked  up,  and  the 
IS 


194  DADl.S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  ANI   SURG ERl 

abdominal  walls  are  rigidly  contracted.  In  the  commenceineut 
of  the  malady,  the  pulse  is  usually  hard  and  wiry,  but  varies  aa 
the  disease  progresses ;  and  the  same  is  true  of  the  respirations, 
viz. :  they  are  accelerated  and  laborious.  The  patient  occasionally 
suffers  much  pain  in  consequence  of  retention  of  urine  and  over- 
distension of  the  bladder,  which  is  the  result  of  sym2)athetic  spasm 
in  the  region  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder.  Such  are  the  uotabl«» 
symptoms  of  spasmodic  colic. 

Treatment. — The  disease  being  of  a  spasmodic  character,  requires 
the  exhibition  of  medicines  of  an  antispasmodic  character,  such  aa 
assafptida,  lobelia,  sulphuric  ether,  and  copious  enemas  of  warm 
water,  or  an  infusion  of  lobelia.  The  latter  is  the  most  valuable 
antispasmodic  now  in  use.  Should  the  case,  however,  be  a  des- 
perate one,  I  advise  the  reader  to  follow  the  treatment  indicated 
in  the  following  case,  taken  from  my  note-book : 

On  making  an  examination  of  the  animal,  the  following  symp- 
toms were  observed:  Pulse,  very  strong  and  wiry,  averaging 
twenty  beats  above  the  natural  standard ;  membranes  of  the  mouth, 
nose,  and  eyes  very  \  ascular,  or  highly  reddened ;  the  surface  of 
the  body  was  bedewed,  in  patches,  with  perspiration ;  there  ap- 
peared to  be  much  rigidity  of  the  muscles,  especially  in  the  ab- 
dominal region.  All  at  once  the  animal  would  throw  himself 
violently  on  the  floor,  and  throw  his  limbs  about  In  the  most  wild 
and  reckless  manner.  He  would  assume  all  sorts  of  positions,  yet 
seemed  to  obtain  most  ease  when  flat  on  his  back ;  still,  if  closely 
approached  oi  touched,  he  would  kick  and  strike  with  fury,  as  if 
he  were  intent  on  mischief  In  short,  the  horse  cut  up  such  an- 
tics that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  approach  him;  yet  I  finally 
succeeded  in  delivering  an  antispasmodic  drench  while  the  animal 
lay  on  his  back,  in  which  position  I  also  gave  an  enema,  composed 
3f  warm  water  and  lobelia. 

The  animal  kept  growing  more  restive  and  uncontrollable,  till, 
at  last,  It  became  very  evident  that  convulsions  had  set  In.  The 
breathing  had  become  fearfully  laborious  and  rapid;  his  noitrils 
were  dilated  to  their  utmost  capacity;  the  sight  had  become  so 
afl'ected,  through  temporary  paralysis  of  the  optic  ner\  e,  that  tem- 
porary blindness  had  set  in. 

There  seemed  to  be  little  hope  for  the  animal,  and,  fearing  that 
he  might  either  kill  himself  by  violence,  or  injure  those  in  attend- 
tnce,  I  concluded  tc  chloroform  him,  and  thus  put  a  stop  to  hii 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  196 

.langerous  performances.  He  had  had  the  best  of  us  long  enough, 
and  now  it  was  for  me  to  show  what  science  had  in  store  for  such 
otherwise  unmanageable  cases.  I  procured  a  mixture,  composed 
of  four  ounces  of  chloroform  and  the  same  quantity  of  sulphuric 
ether;  next,  a  sponge  was  tied  to  a  broom-handle,  and  covered 
with  a  towel.  Thus  we  were  enabled  to  chloroform  him  at  a  saft 
distance. 

The  patient  did  not  seem  to  relish  this  mode  of  practice.  He 
fought  for  some  time,  tried  to  strike  and  kick  me,  but,  being  tem- 
porarily blind,  I  had  the  advantage  of  him.  It  was  soon  evident 
that  the  chloroform  was  beginning  to  do  its  work.  The  patient 
gradually  settled  himself  on  the  floor,  and  Avas  soon  completely 
etherized.  As  it  is  dangerous  to  keep  a  horse  under  the  full  effects 
of  chloroform  any  great  length  of  time,  I  now  removed  the  sponge, 
and  only  applied  it  occasionally,  slightly  saturated,  so  as  to  insure 
a  sort  of  incomplete  state  of  insensibility.  It  was  an  encouraging 
sight  to  behold  the  once  powerful  and  furious  animal  now  lying 
free  from  pain,  and  deprived  of  the  power  of  injuring  himself  or 
those  in  attendance ;  and  it  is  also  gratifying  to  know  that  science 
ministers  to  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the  inferior  as  well  as  the 
superior  orders  of  creation. 

At  the  expiration  of  an  hour,  during  which  time  the  animal 
was  more  or  less  under  the  ansesthetic  agent,  he  was  allowed  to 
rise.  He  gave  himself  a  few  shakes,  and  seemed  very  much  re- 
lieved and  more  tranquil.  I  now  gave  a  drench  of  spirits  of  niter 
and  infusion  of  lobelia;  administered,  also,  a  lobelia  enema,  and 
left  ihe  i)atient  to  the  care  of  his  attendants.  A  few  hours  after- 
ward I  again  visited  the  patient,  and  learned  that  he  had  a  slight 
spasa-  occasionally,  for  which  I  prescribed  two  drachms  of  poAv- 
dored  .issafetida.  I  then  introduced  the  male  catheter  into  the 
l)laddt'%  drew  off  a  small  quantity  of  urine,  and  this  completed 
the  wh.>le  of  the  treatment.     The  patient  recovered. 

Another  case  of  Spasmodic  Colic,  treated  by  Inhalation. — The 
subject  'v^as  a  large  and  poAverful  stallion,  aged  about  eight  years, 
the  propc  rt}'  of  a  gentleman  residing  in  Chicago.  The  horse  wa? 
attacked  in  the  street  with  symptoms  of  acute  abdominal  pain, 
and,  in  consequence,  was  hurried  home  to  the  stable.  The  mo- 
ment he  arrived  there,  he  threw  himself  down  and  commenced 
rolling,  and  grew  excessively  uneasy  and  irritable.  In  the  course 
of  an  hour  our  attention  was  called  to  him.     He  *hen  exhibited 


196  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURG  ERF. 

Fymj'toms  of  acute  abdominal  pain.  The  eyes  appeared  wild,  and 
their  membranes  congested ;  the  nostrils  were  dilated ;  pulse,  al>ouf 
sixty ;  extremities  cold ;  body,  bedewed  with  perspiration  ;  no  tym- 
panitis, yet  the  animal  anxiously  regarded  his  flanks.  He  would 
paw  with  his  fore-feet,  and  strike  forward  in  a  most  reckless  man 
ner,  and  fall  down,  as  if  in  convulsions;  then  he  would  roll  en 
his  back,  curve  his  head  to  one  side,  and.  as  quick  as  thought, 
jump  up  again. 

He  was  now  so  spiteful  and  unmanageable  that  it  was  impos- 
sible to  administer  either  drench  or  ball.  We  tried  every  means 
to  get  something  down,  but  all  to  no  purpose;  he  was  determ- 
ined to  make  us  keep  beyond  the  reach  of  his  fore-feet  and 
mouth.  It  now  became  evident  to  us  that  the  patient  must  be 
mastered,  and,  in  this  view,  not  knowing  at  the  time  that  thd 
agent  we  were  about  to  use  would  act  beneficially  on  the  disease, 
we  procured  three  ounces  of  chloroform,  and  the  same  quantity 
of  sulphuric  ether.  An  old  sheet  and  a  sponge  were  used  as  an 
inhaler.  Watching  an  opportunity,  when  the  horse  was  down, 
we  got  two  men  to  secure  him  there  by  the  neck.  We  then  sat- 
urated the  sponge  with  the  mixture,  and  applied  the  same  to  tho. 
nostrils,  enveloping  them  with  the  folded  sheet,  leaving  an  orific« 
for  the  admission  of  air.  The  patient  struggled  violently  at  first, 
but  soon  became  quieter,  and,  in  the  course  ot  two  minutes,  trem- 
bled, breathed  deep  and  loud.  The  pupils  then  became  dilated, 
the  breathing  stertorous,  and  the  animal  was  fully  etherized. 
Having  him  completely  under  control,  we  were  not  disposed  to  let 
him  up  in  a  hurry.  The  sponge,  however,  was  removed,  and  so 
soon  as  he  showed  signs  of  partial  consciousness,  it  was  again  re- 
plenished with  ether,  and  applied. 

Supposing  that  the  case  might  be  running  on  to  intussusception, 
or  entanglement  of  the  bowels,  we  thought  there  could  be  no  harm 
in  keeping  the  animal  under  the  influence  of  an  agent  that  seemed 
t  I  a'^t  so  weW  ;  consequently  he  was  kept  under  its  influence  for 
fifty-fivt  minutes.  His  head  was  then  brought  toward  the  door, 
And  j:  few  drops  of  cold  water  were  sprinkled  on  him.  Soon  he 
raised  his  head,  looked  bewildered,  yet  showed  no  symptoms  of 
pain  nor  imeasiness.  Shortly  afterward  he  got  on  his  legs,  but 
had  to  be  supported  by  several  men,  who  soon  rubbed  him  dry. 
He  was  then  drenched  with  laudanum,  five  drachms ;  sweet  spirits 
of  niter,  one  ou?  ^.     He  was  led  to  a  stall,  entirely  free  from  paic 


UiSEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  19'' 

partook  cf  /5cme  gruel,  and  rested  well  during  the  niglit.  Next 
morp'ng  li*^  got  five  drachms  of  aloes  and  one  of  ginger,  in  solu- 
tion ;  the  howels  responded  to  the  same,  and  four  days  after  h« 
was  at  work.  "We  would  not,  however,  have  the  reader  suppose 
that  the  same  agent  shall  suit  all  cases  of  this  character ;  for 
another  similar  feat  might  prove  a  failure,  and  a  third  equally  un- 
manageable. A  case  might  yield  to  the  ordinary  sedatives,  how- 
ever, ])rovided  the  patient  could  be  induced  to  swallow  them. 

Inflammation  of  the  Peritoneum  (Peritonitis). 

TiJ'j  peritoneum  is  a  serous  membrane,  which  not  only  gives  a 
cove':>jg  to  the  intestines,  but  also  a  lining  to  the  abdominal  cav- 
ity. Our  pathologists  teach  that  the  peritoneum,  like  other  seroua 
membranes,  is  very  ready  to  take  on  inflammatory  aetion  u{)on  tho 
oj)eration  of  certain  exciting  causes.  Watson  informs  us  that 
"  acute  inflammation,  beginning  in  one  spot,  is  almost  sure  to 
tiansfer  itself  to  any  other  spot  that  happens  to  be  in  contact  with 
the  first,  and  is  very  apt  to  extend  itself  rapidly  to  the  whole 
membrane.  The  disease  tends  to  the  effusion  of  serum,  and  of 
coagulable  lymph.  It  is  of  the  adhesive  kind,  and  its  effects  are 
those  of  distending  the  peritoneal  cavity  with  fluid,  or  of  gluing 
its  opposite  surfaces  together,  so  as  to  obliterate  that  cavity,  or 
of  forming  partial  attachments.  In  all  these  respects  the  analcgj 
between  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum  and  inflammation  of  the  se- 
1  ous  membranes  of  the  chest  and  the  covering  of  the  heart  is  perfect." 

Peritonitis  is  generally  a  manageable  disease  when  treated  ac- 
cording to  the  principles  of  rational  medicine ;  but  when  treated 
according  to  the  dictum  of  Blain  and  others,  who  have  never 
done  any  original  thinking,  in  so  far  as  veterinary  science  is  con- 
cerned, it  is  decidedly  the  reverse.  For  example,  here  is  a  pa8- 
sajre  from  Blain's  works : 

"The  treatment  of  peritonitis  is  much  the  same  as  for  enteritia. 
The  only  difference  is,  that  the  animal  will  lose  more  blood  before 
be  di.s]ilays  any  symptoms  of  uneasiness.  We  may  also  be  more 
bold  with  purgatives.  Th«  three  ounces  of  solution  of  aloes  may 
be  increased  to  five,  the  pint  of  oil  enlarged  to  a  pint  and  a  half; 
and  if  this  produces  no  signs  of  its  having  acted  on  the  bowels, 
it  may  even  be  repeated  when  another  three  hours  and  a  half  have 
elapsea.     A.11  the  other  measures  are  alike,  in  both  ciuses." 


198  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AAT)  SURGLl.  f. 

Those  who  follow  such  advice  as  this  would  be  very  apt  to  lo8« 
their  patients,  either  through  the  direct  influence  of  meddlesome 
medication,  or  by  converting  peritonitis  into  dropsy  of  the  abdo- 
men.  But  let  us  see  what  Watson  says  on  the  subject  of  the 
treatment  of  peritonitis : 

''  ISIost  writers  whose  worth  I  am  acquainted  with  recommend 
purgatives  as  highly  serviceable  in  peritonitis.  I  do  not  think  the 
good  which  they  are  calculated  to  do,  as  antiphlogistic  remedies^ 
L-an  at  all  be  put  in  competition  with  the  harm  that  I  am  per- 
suaded they  may  produce,  by  increasing  the  peristaltic  action  of 
the  intestines,  and  so  causing  additional  friction  and  tension  of 
the  inflamed  membrane.  I  believe  that  in  all  cases  of  well-marked 
and  pure  peritonitis,  when  the  inflammation  is  limited  to  the  se- 
rous membrane,  it  is  far  better  and  safer  to  restrain  than  to  solicit 
the  internal  movements  of  the  alimentarj'^  tube." 

In  human  practice,  physicians,  instead  of  giving  purgatives, 
resort  to  the  use  of  narcotics,  in  view  of  tranquilizing  the  system, 
and  for  the  purpose  of  mitigating  the  intense  pain  which  exists 
during  the  acute  attack. 

Symptoms. — The  most  marked  symptoms  of  peritonitis  are  as 
follows :  In  the  early  stage,  the  animal  paws  slightly,  but  not 
^'ith  that  sort  of  viciousness  which  is  characteristic  of  colic  or 
strangulation  of  the  intestines.  Soon,  he  shows  febrile  symptoms , 
the  pulse  runs  up  to  seventy  or  more,  and  a  shivering  fit  sets  in. 
"'\^hen  pressure  is  made  on  the  abdomen,  the  animal  evinces  signs 
ff  pain.  He  will  sometimes  get  down  and  lie  on  his  )ack,  but 
he  soon  finds  out  that  the  best  way  of  lessening  his  pains  and 
aches  is  to  keep  as  quiet  as  possible.  His  tongue  is  usually  coated, 
and  the  bowds  are  inactive 

Treatment.  —Give  the  patient  mucilaginous  drinks,  as  in  the  case 
of  enteritis,  and  drench  him  occasionally  with  an  infision  of  poppy- 
heads,  in  pint  doses.  Em])ty  the  rectum  by  means  of  soap-sud-s 
encn.a'^  and  then  throw  in  a  quart  of  infusion  of  hops.  Cloths, 
wet  with  warm  water,  should  be  applied  to  the  abdomen,  and  the 
surface  of  the  body  should  be  kept  warm  by  means  of  blankets. 
This  kind  of  treatment,  with  good  nursing,  will  probably  restorfl 
the  animai  to  health.  Should  symptoms  of  dropsy  set  in,  give  tw(j 
ounces  of  fluid  extract  of  buchu,  daily. 


DIflEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  199 

ASCITES,  OR  Abdominal,  Dropsy. 

Ascites  signifies  a  collection  of  serous  fluid  within  the  abdom- 
inal cavity.  The  subject  of  this  disease  is  noticed  as  having  a 
symmetrical  and  uniform  enlargement  of  the  abdomen ;  and,  if  the 
pjilient  be  a  mare,  some  persons  are  likely  to  infer  that  she  la 
pregnant,  but  examination,  by  pressure,  -will  suffice  to  determine 
tlie  (onditians;  for,  if  pressure  be  made  with  the  fingers,  in  the 
abdominal  region,  a  waving  or  fluctuating  motion  is  discovered, 
similar  to  that  which  follows  the  forcible  displacement  of  liquid. 
Tliis  fluctuation  is  the  discriminating  symptom  between  ascites 
and  pregnancy,  for  in  the  case  of  pregnancy  no  such  fluctuation 
can  be  elicited. 

Ascites  is  usually  the  result  of  some  chronic  or  acute  disease  of 
the  peritoneum  (lining  membrane  of  the  walls  of  the  abdomen), 
or,  rather,  a  loss  of  equilibrium  between  the  local  functions  of 
secetion  and  absorption.  This  disease,  like  many  others,  may  be 
rapid  or  insidious.  If  rapid  or  acute,  it  is  apt  to  prove  fatal  in 
the  course  of  a  few  days;  if  insidious  or  chronic,  the  animal  may 
survive  for  a  long  time,  as  the  following  case  will  show : 

Case  of  Dropsy  of  the  Abdomen,  ending  in  Rupture  of  the  Stom- 
nch. — Tlic  subject  of  the  above-named  affections  was  a  mare,  owned 
bj  the  North  Chicago  Railroad  Company.  She  had  been  in  their 
«miploy  during  a  period  of  three  years,  and  had  always  performed 
*he  work  required  of  her  without  any  manifestation  of  disease;  in 
fact,  had  gone  her  usual  trips  up  to  within  a  few  hours  of  her  death. 
She  had  just  partaken  of  a  hearty  breakfast,  when,  all  at  once,  she 
began  to  falter,  and  the  surface  ol  the  body  was  soon  bedewed  with 
a  profuse  perspiration  ;  she  trembled,  the  head  became  pendulous, 
and  the  case  assumed  an  alarming  as]iect. 

This  happened  at  about  six  o'clock  in  the  morning.  At  eight, 
my  attention  was  called  to  her,  when  the  fi)llowing  symptoms  were 
observed.  Pulse,  small  and  indistinct;  respirations,  humid,  and 
rather  laborious;  abdomen,  quite  tense  from  di.stension  ;  peicns- 
sion  over  the  region  of  the  abdomen  yielded  a  dull  sound,  yet 
fluctuating,  showing  that  the  abdominal  cavity  was  occupied  by 
Bome  kind  of  fluid.  From  the  peculiar  conformation  of  the  abdo- 
men, T  at  first  suspected  tliat  the  animal  was  jjregnant,  wliich 
proved  not  to  be  the  case. 

On  percu.'^.sintr  over  tlic  region  of  the  stomach,  a  tympanitic 


200  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

sound  was  elicited,  sliowitit^  thvA  the  stomach  contained  a  large 
quantity  of  gas,  and  was  over-distended.  Her  extreniities  wera 
cold,  and  other  synijitonis  were  present  which  indicate  death.  I 
suspected  that  the  food  was  running  into  fermentation,  and,  in 
view  of  arresting  it,  I  gave  one  ounce  of  the  hyposulphite  of  .'.oda, 
an  1  the  same  quantity  of  fluid  extract  of  ginger  and  golden  seal 
The  body  was  bathed  with  new  rum,  and  she  was  rubbed  vigor- 
ously, by  three  men,  for  about  half  an  hour,  from  which  treatment 
she  seemed  to  rally  some.  Several  injections  of  salt  and  scap-suda 
were  thrown  into  the  rectum.  They  brought  away  a  slimy  sub- 
stance, but  very  little  feces.  Finally  nothing  came  away  but  that 
which  was  injected,  and  from  this  I  was  led  to  infer  that,  either 
from  pressure  or  stricture,  the  small  intestines  were  closed. 

T  now  determined  to  send  a  trocar  into  the  abdomen,  for  th'2 
purpose  of  discovering  what  it  contained,  and,  accordingly,  selected 
a  point  in  the  lower  middle  of  the  same.  In  withdrawing  the  cut- 
ting instrument,  a  fluid  commenced  to  run,  which,  in  color  and 
consistence,  resembled  urine.  For  an  hour  and  a  quarter  this  fluid 
continued  to  run  through  the  tube,  and  the  amount  obtained  must 
have  been  over  three  bucketsful.  I  was  in  hopes  that  the  with- 
drawal of  this  large  amount  of  fluid  might  remove  the  pressure  0)i 
the  intestinal  tube,  and  thus  the  gas,  which  was  pent  up  in  th« 
stomach,  might  find  its  way  to  the  anal  outlet.  Not  so,  however ; 
for,  notwithstandmg  all  our  efibrts  and  attention,  the  mare  died, 
at  noon,  with  rupture  of  the  stomach. 

The  autopsy  revealed  a  rent,  or  rupture,  in  the  stomach,  of  about 
eight  inches  in  lengthy  through  which  a  portion  of  the  food  and 
fluids  of  the  stomach  had  escaped  into  the  abdominal  cavity.  The 
small  intestines  were  the  seat  of  stricture  in  several  places;  their 
external  surface,  or,  rather,  peritoneal  covering,  was  studded  with 
albuminous  and  fibrous  deposits,  resulting  from  abdominal  dropsy; 
otherwise,  the  contents  of  the  chest  and  abdomen  presented  the 
appearance  of  perfect  health.  I  should  judge  that  the  watei  had 
been  accumulating  in  the  abdominal  cavity  for  a  long  time.  The 
foreman  at  the  stable  observed  that  the  animal  always  appeared 
very  portly,  so  much  so  that  the. abdomen  was  square  with  the 
hips,  which  had  led  some  persons  to  suppose  that  her  hips  were 
"  knocked  down." 

Most  authors  contend  that  when  a  horse  is  the  subject  of  rupture 
of  the  stomach  o'  intestines,  he  squats  on  the  haunches,  like  a  dt»g; 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  201 

but  this  animal  did  not  exhibit  any  such  symptoms,  but  stood  up 
until  within  a  few  minutes  of  death. 

Treatment. — A  case  of  this  kind  requires  the  exhibition  of  tonica 
and  diuretics,  and  the  following  is  the  best  remedy  which  can  be 
jrjven: 

No.  23   Fluid  extract  of  buchu )  ^  ^^|     ^^^ 

Fluid  extract  of  snakehead )    ^        ^ 

Mix. 

Dose,  two  ounces  per  day. 

Inflammation  of  the  Intestines  (Enteritis). 

This  disease  is  located  on  the  inner  or  mucous  coat  of  the  in- 
testines, sometimes,  however,  involving  the  muscular  portion  of 
the  same.  The  causes  are  various:  improper  management,  bad 
food,  worms,  irritating  medicines,  musty  hay  or  clover,  chilling 
t^e  body  by  cold  water,  exposure  to  rain,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  often  commences  with  a  shivering  fit, 
to  which  succeeds  heat  of  the  skin,  restlessness,  loss  of  appetite; 
the  mouth  hot  and  dry ;  the  inner  membrane  of  the  eyelids  and 
nostrils  are  redder  than  usual.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  pain 
increases,  and  the  animal  will  lie  down.  There  is  no  intermission 
of  pain ;  it  is  persistent.  The  breathing  is  accelerated,  and  pres- 
sure in  the  abdominal  region  elicits  symptoms  of  pain.  The  bowels 
are  usually  constipated,  and  if  any  feces  are  voided,  they  consist  ol 
small,  hardened  balls. 

An  examination  after  death  reveals  a  gangrenous  state  of  the 
small  and  sometimes  the  large  intestines.  Often  extra vasated 
blood  is  found  within  the  intestinal  tube.  So  soon  as  the  pain 
ceases,  and  the  animal  appears  no  better,  we  infer  that  gangrene 
lias  set  in  ;  cold  sweats  set  in,  and  the  animal  shortly  dies. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  enteritis  does  not,  and  should  not^ 
diifer  from  that  of  any  other  acute  affection.  ;Mucilaginous  drinks, 
chlorate  of  potass,  hyposulphite  of  soda,  in  doses  as  recommended 
for  inflammation  of  the  stomach.  Occasional  enemas  of  soap-suds 
are  to  be  thrown  into  the  rectum,  so  long  as  the  feces  remain  hard, 
or  are  voided  with  difficulty.  The  objectionable  method  of  back- 
raking — so  highly  recommended  by  some  authors — should  never 
be  resorted  to;  it  is  a  disgusting  affair,  and  actually  unnecessary- 
for,  let  the  rectum  be  ever  so  impacted,  it  can  be  evacuatinl  bj 


202 


DxlDDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGA.NS.  203 

enemeta,  composed  of  soap-suds,  to  which  add  a  little  giuger  or 
lobelia.  If  the  weather  is  not  too  cold,  cloths  wet  with  warm  water 
may  be  applied  to  the  abdomen,  over  which  throw  a  blanket,  so 
as  to  previ'nt  evaporation  and  chill.  The  outrageous  treatment 
recommended  by  some  authors  is  a  disgrace  to  the  profession. 
The}  recommend  bleeding  until  the  horse  faints  or  falls  ;  then  to 
scorch  the  sides  witli  ammonia  and  eantharides;  and,  lastly,  to 
emjioison  what  little  blood  he  may  have  left  in  his  system,  so  that 
death  may  occui  secundum  artem. 

Should  the  subject  of  inflamniation  of  the  intestines  suffer  much 
pain,  a  drench  of  half  a  pint  or  more  of  infusion  of  hops,  or  pop- 
pies, may  be  given  occasionally;  or  one  ounce  of  the  fluid  extract 
of  one  of  these  agents  may  be  substituted,  to  be  given  two  or  tiiree 
times  during  twenty-four  hours. 

The  treatment  of  inflammation  of  the  intestines,  as  well  as  in- 
flammation of  any  other  part  of  the  body,  consists  in  using  those 
means  and  agents  which  ward  off  or  remove  any  agent  whicli,  ia 
its  eflects,  does,  or  tends  to,  deprive  any  of  the  organs  or  tissue.' 
of  the  living  body  of  their  vital  action.  The  remedial  meanf 
used  to  accomplish  this  object  must  be  such,  and  such  only,  at 
sustain  the  weakened  or  increase  the  reduced  vital  action  in  any 
of  the  organs  or  tissues.  This  is  the  doctrine  which  the  author 
attempts  to  teach  in  this  work.  And  is  the  doctrine  not  ]dain? 
Could  any  thing  accord  more  directly  with  reason,  ur  commend 
itself  more  clearly  to  tlie  common  sense  and  unbiased  judgment 
of  intelligent  people?  If  the  vital  action  of  any  of  the  organs  or 
tissues  become  weakened  or  enfeebled,  should  they  not  be  strength- 
ened? Can  this  be  done  by  any  other  agent  and  means  than  tliose 
which  increase  and  strengthen  this  very  vital  action?  If  this  ao- 
tion,  in  any  of  the  organs  or  tissues  of  the  animal  body,  becomes 
reduced  or  impaired,  must  it  not  be  increased  by  agents  and  moan/' 
which  cooperate  with  the  vital  power?  Then,  how  can  agents  an.i 
means  which  always  impair  vital  action  (poisons)  cure  di.-case? 

Different  remedial  means  have  different  effects  upon  the  organs 
flud  tissues  of  the  s}'stem ;  but  all  poisons  and  agencies  which  im- 
pair the  integrity  of  the  organism  of  a  well  animal  must  have  a 
disastroiLS  effect  on  one  that  is  sick  and  suffering.  Unhealtliv  and 
poisonous  agents  impair  and  reduce  the  vital  action  of  certain 
organs  and  tissues  according  to  the  nature  and  tendency  to  affecl 
various  parts  of  tlie  living  structures. 


204  D^.l^'t  VETERINARY  MEDlllNE  AND  SURGtRY 

Now,  if  it  can  be  made  to  appear  tliat  disease  consists,  m  its 
nature  and  effects,  in  increased  vital  action  or  increased  health  of 
any  portion  of  the  body  diseased,  then  will  it  be  proved  that  poi- 
sons are,  and  of  necessity  must  be,  medicines  or  the  agents  to  cure 
disease.  But  what  are  we  taught  by  our  brethren  of  the  heroic 
school  upon  this  point?  "In  spontaneous  disease,"  that  is,  dis- 
ease which  occurs  without  any  apparent  cause,  H  unter  contends, 
"we  know  of  no  method  that  will  entirely  quiet  or  remove  the 
inflammatory  action  or  disposition.  All  we  can  do,  probably,  is 
to  lessen  every  thing  which  has  a  tendency  to  keep  it  up.  In- 
flammation is  either  an  increase  of  life  or  an  increase  of  a  dispo- 
sition to  use  it." 

Again :  "  One  of  the  means  of  curing  this  inflammation,"  says 
the  same  author,  "  is  by  producing  weakness.  The  means  of  pro- 
ducing weakness  of  an  absolute  character  are,  bleeding,  purging, 
and  the  exhibition  of  poisonous  agents.  The  inconvenience,  how- 
ever, arising  from  this  practice  is,  that  the  sound  and  healthy 
parts  must  suffer  nearly  in  the  same  proportion  with  the  diseased; 
for,  by  bringing  the  inflamed  parts  on  a  par  with  health,  the 
sound  parts  must  be  brought  much  lower,  so  as  to  be  too  low. 
The  first  method,  namely,  bleeding,  v/ill  have  the  greatest,  the 
most  permanent,  the  most  lasting  effect;  because,  if  it  have  any 
effect  at  all,  the  diseased  action  can  not  be  soon  renewed;  the 
second,  purging  and  poisoning,  will  act  as  auxiliary,  so  that  these 
processes  go  hand  in  hand ;  but  neither  these  nor  sickness  can  pos- 
sibly lessen  the  original  inflammatory  disposition.  Lessening  the 
power  of  action  belonging  to  the  inflammatory  disposition  can 
onl)'  lessen  or  protect  its  effects,  which,  however,  may  be  of  serv- 
ice, as  less  mischief  will  be  done,  and  this  will  often  give  the 
inflamed  disposition  time  to  wear  itself  out.  But  this  i)ractice 
must  not  be  carried  too  far.  It  must  be  followed  with  great 
judgment.  Nothing  debilitates  so  much  as  purging,  if  carried 
beyond  a  certain  point.  Even  one  purging  may  kill  when  the 
constitution  is  much  reduced.  The  internal  medicines  generally 
ordered  for  the  cure  of  inflammations  are  such  as  have  a  similar 
effect  to  that  of  bleeding ;  namely,  lowering  the  constitution  or 
the  action  of  the  parts.  As  inflammation  has  too  much  action, 
which  action  gives  the  idea  of  strength,  such  applications  a:* 
'•^eaicen  are  recommended." 

Here,  then,  are  the  reasons  for  the  use  of  poisons  to  cure  dip- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  20S 

easeft,  as  believed  and  taught  by  our  brethren  of  the  heroic  schooL 
Su».h  agents  and  means  we  do  not  want,  for  the  plain  reason  that 
disease  can  be  cured  quicker  and  better  without  than  with  them. 
Our  system  of  practice,  and  that  recommended  in  this  work,  tenda 
to  sustain  the  vital  powers  during  the  progress  of  disease;  and 
this  is  accomplished  by  resorting  to  sanative  medication.  This 
sanative  system  of  medication  must,  eventually,  commend  itself  to 
the  candid  and  to  the  unprejudiced  reasonerand  scientific  inquirer 
•iler  truth. 


Strangulation  of  the  Intestines. 

When  an  animal  becomes  the  subject  of  strangulation  of  the  in- 
lestines,  it  is  very  difficult,  at  first,  to  diagnose  the  case,  for  the 
eymptoms  very  much  resemble  those  of  spasmodic  colic;  yet  aa 
the  treatment  of  the  two  diseases  does  not  differ  much,  the  mistake 
In  itself  is  of  little  consequence. 

Symptoms. — The  difiiculty  is,  at  first,  accompanied  by  uneasi- 
ness. The  animal  moves  about  in  his  stall,  and  commences  stamp- 
ing with  one  of  the  fore-feet.  Frequently  he  gets  down  and  rolls 
on  his  back,  in  which  position  he  will  remain  sometimes  for  sev- 
eral minutes.  So  soon  as  he  rises,  he  commences  to  paw  and 
stamp  with  a  vengeance.  As  the  disease  advances,  he  totters,  and 
sometimes  drops  on  the  floor.  The  pulse  is  usually  irregular,  the 
mouth  cold,  and  visible  surfaces  pallid :  the  tongue  appears  of  a 
bluish  cast;  and  the  body  is  generally  bedewed  with  sweat.  Fi- 
nally, the  animal  makes  great  efforts  to  evacuate  the  rectum,  and 
in  so  doing  strains  violently,  so  as  to  cause  blood  to  escape  from 
the  rectum ;  and  sometimes  the  rectum  itself  protrudes.  Should 
the  symptoms  not  improve,  the  animal  soon  dies  of  strangulation 
and  mortification  of  the  intestines. 

Treatment. — This  must  be  of  an  anti-spasmodic  character.  An 
ounce  or  two  of  fluid  extract  of  lobelia  should  be  given,  every  two 
hours,  in  a  pint  of  warm  water;  the  body  should  be  enveloped 
in  bandages,  wet  with  warm  water,  and  enemas  of  assafetida  oi 
lobelia  should  be  thrown  into  the  rectum ;  but  if  the  rectum  pro- 
trude, enemas  are  inadmissible.  On  some  occasions  of  the  kind 
I  etherize  the  patient,  with  marked  relief. 


206  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERI 


\V"OUN.i:>S    PENETRATING   THE   ABDOMINAL   CaVITY. 

The  treatment  of  a  penetrating  wonnd  into  the  abdomen  yill 
depend  somewhat  npon  the  nature  of  the  same.  Should  the  intes- 
tines protrude  through  the  wound  and  exhibit  a  puncture,  put  oj 
the  twitch  ani  Rare\ -strap.  Then  return  the  intestines  into  tlie 
abdominal  cavity,  and  proceed  to  suture  or  sew  up  the  intestiua) 
enfc,  by  means  of  a  small  needle,  armed  with  sewing  silk — first, 
by  means  of  sutures  through  the  abdominal  muscles,  one  end  of 
the  suture  being  left  long  enough  to  hang  out  of  the  wound; 
second,  close  the  skin  (the  sutures  should  be  distant  from  each 
other  about  one  inch) ;  next  place  a  cold  water  pad  on  the  parts, 
and  encircle  the  body  in  the  injured  region  with  a  cotton-roller, 
over  which  place  a  surcingle,  and  securely  fasten  it.  In  the  event 
of  the  intestines  being  swollen  and  distended,  it  may  be  necessary 
to  cast  the  patient;  then  roll  him  on  his  back,  and  thus  the  pro- 
trusion may  be  returned ;  but  should  they  still  prove  too  large  for 
the  orifice,  it  must  be  dilated  by  means  of  a  probe-pointed  knife. 

Splenic  J^i-oplexy  (Carbuncular  Fever). 

Mr.  Gamgee  has  made  some  translations  from  foreign  authors 
on  the  subject  of  Splenic  Apoplexy,  and  he  tells  us  that  "  this  is 
the  disease  described  as  carbuncular  fever  by  Renault  and  Rey- 
nal.  It  is  most  common  in  hot  and  tempestuous  seasons.  In  its 
iarefully-observed  symptoms,  M.  Anginiard  is  induced  to  regard 
Khe  disease  as  dependent  on  miasmatic  exhalation.  Until  recently, 
the  author  had  studied  the  malady  only  in  sheep,  but  has  fre- 
quently observed  it,  of  late,  in  the  horse.  It  is  not  so  suddenly 
fatal  in  the  latter  as  in  the  former.  The  prostration  and  stupor 
are  very  striking.  The  horse  can  barely  stand,  and  is  very  list- 
loss  ;  the  muscles  of  the  limbs  tremble,  and  partial  sweats  bedew 
the  body.  In  some  parts  the  skin  is  dry,  and  the  coat  staring; 
the  breathing  is  slow  and  irregular;  the  conjunctiva,  or  lining 
of  the  eyelids,  is  white,  and  indicative  of  an  anemic  or  bloodksa 
state;  the  pulse  is  feeble,  wiry,  and  accelerated,  offering  a  remark- 
able contrast  to  the  tumultuous  action  of  the  heart ;  the  loins  a3\e 
very  sensitive;  and  there  are  often  indicatioas  of  pain  on  pres- 
gure  on  the  abdominal  walls.  Colicky  symptoms  are  frequently 
noticed.     At  first,  all  appetite  is  lost,  but,  as  the  disease  advtuioes, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANh  207 

Lit  animal  eats  and  drinks  freely.  In  attempting  to  l)leed  an 
animal,  great  difficulty  is  experienced  in  filling  the  vein;  and 
when  the  blood  flows,  the  animal  instantly  manifests  great  weak- 
ness. 'Die  blood  is  black,  and  does  not  coagulate  as  in  health. 
The  symptoms  rapidly  grow  worse,  the  breathing  labored,  the 
eyes  sunken,  the  prostration  extreme,  and  progression  impossible, 
until  tlie  animal  reels  over  and  dies.  The  disease  runs  a  raj)id 
oourse,  and,  on  an  average,  death  occurs  within  fifteen  or  eiglit- 
een  hours.  There  is  an  absence  of  the  external  swellings  char- 
acteristic of  ordinary  carbuncular  fever;  and  the  internal  disten- 
sions of  organs,  particularly  of  the  spleen,  so  ably  described  by 
Renault  and  Reynal,  are  sufficient,  according  to  M.  Anginiard,  to 
distincruish  the  two  diseases.  In  the  treatment  of  this  disease, 
Anginiard  trusts  mainly  to  quinine.  He  administers  a  drachm 
and  a  half  as  soon  as  possible,  either  in  an  infusion  of  coffee  or 
other  aromatic  mixture.  If  the  symptoms  do  not  subside  two 
hours  afterward,  two  drachms  are  given.  Generally  this  is  suf- 
ficient. If  not,  a  third  and  fourth  dose  have  to  be  exhibited. 
Bleeding  is  to  be  condemned.  The  body  of  the  animal  may  be 
rubbed  with  a  wisp,  or  a  turpentine  liniment  may  be  employed 
as  a  derivative.  Free  ventilation,  and  leaving  the  animal  uncov- 
ered, to  permit  free  exhalation,  are  essential  points  in  the  man- 
agement of  these  animals.  M.  Dumesnie  has  tried  this  treatment, 
and  found  it  most  successful.  Anginiard  believes  in  small  doses, 
and  not  often  enough  repeated." 

Apoplexy  is  a  disease  which,  if  not  discovered  early,  is  very 
apt  to  prove  fiUal.  Whether  discovered  or  not,  in  its  early  stage 
it  generally  baffles  the  skill  of  those  who,  in  this  country,  have 
attempted  to  cure  it.  The  incurability  of  such  malady  may,  under 
the  circumstances,  be  accounted  for  on  the  belief  that  it  often 
rages  as  an  enzootic,  affecting  animals  in  isolated  spots,  without 
regard  to  locality,  and  attacking  only  those  susceptible  to  its 
influence.  Wnat  the  conditions  are  which  favor  its  propagation 
I  am  unable  to  determine,  for  I  have  known  it  to  affect  equally 
those  which  appeared  healthy  as  well  as  others  unhealthy  in  ap 
pearance;  hence  it  is  very  difficult  for  any  one  to  point  out  the 
direct  causes  of  the  affection.  I  have  not  seen  many  cases  of  either 
enlargement  of  the  spleen,  or  apoplexy  of  the  same,  occurring  ic 
cattle,  from  the  fact  that  my  practice  has  been  mostly  confined  to 
horses  in  cities,  where  cattle  were  not  very  numerous  ;  but  a  friend 


*78  DADDS  VETERINARl   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

»f  mine,  located  in  a  cattle-raising  district  in  the  State  of  Maina, 
informed  me  that  this  disease,  accompanied  by  enlargement,  often 
prevail?  there  enzootically,  and  that  most  of  the  animals  thu« 
affected  die.  I  have  had  considerable  experience  in  the  treatmenl 
of  such  affections  in  horses,  but,  as  I  have  just  observed,  the  result 
is  very  unsatisfactory.  I  believe  I  have  but  one  case  cf  cure  on 
record,  and  the  medicines  used  on  tliat  occasion  were  stimulants 
and  tonics,  with  forty  grains  of  iodide  of  potass  per  day.  Tha 
spine  was  also  rubbed,  night  and  morning,  with  equal  parts  r>f 
cod-liver  oil  and  spirits  of  camphor. 

Enlargement  of  the  Spleen. 

6'^v  ijjiui/is. — The  symptoms  of  enlargement  of  the  spleen  in 
horses  (they  do  not  differ  much  in  cattle)  are  as  follows:  Feeble 
pulse ;  respiration  not  much  disturbed ;  the  tongue  is  usually 
co.ited;  mouth,  hot,  and  the  breath  has  a  feted  odor;  the  mem- 
branes lining  the  mouth  and  eyeballs  have  a  slight  yellow  tinge; 
the  head  droops,  and  the  tips  of  the  ears  and  lower  partn  of  the 
limbs  are  chilly;  the  patient  is  rather  unwilling  to  move,  and, 
when  urged  to  do  so,  exhibits  a  staggering  gait,  and  sometimes  falls 
never  to  rise;  the  urine  is  scanty,  and,  in  the  last  stages,  ]>lood 
ooze's  from  the  anus  and  nostrils ;  colicky  pains  attend  the  disease. 

In  a  case  that  terminated  fatally,  I  made  the  following  record 
of  the  post-mortem  examination :  On  opening  the  abdominal  cav- 
il y,  the  spleen  was  found  to  occupy  a  very  large  space.  It  was 
of  immense  proportions,  and  weighed  nearly  twelve  pounds.  The 
ordinary  weight  is  three  pounds.  It  presented  the  appearance 
of  a  spleen  in  the  chronic  stage  of  disease,  being  altered  in  struo- 
ti're,  of  a  dark,  pitchy  color,  and  surcharged  with  dark,  venous 
blwd.  Before  death,  I  percussed  the  left  side,  in  the  locality  of 
thf  spleen,  and  the  sound  elicited  was  of  a  solid  character,  which 
indicated  enlargement  of  the  same. 

Tl>e  early  symptoms  of  splenic  apoplexy  do  not  differ  much 
from  the  above,  only  they  are  of  a  more  acute  character.  In  the 
lattei  stages,  the  mak  ly  is  complicated  with  a  painful  affection  of 
the  bowels.  The  diagnostic  symptom  of  splenic  apoplexy,  witL 
enlargement  of  the  same,  is  a  notable  enlargement  on  the  left  side 
of  the  abdomen,  well  up  toward  the  ribs.  When  standing  behind 
an  affected  animal,  and  casting  one's  eyes  carefully  along  the 
sides  of  theabdomina'  walla,  a  perceptible  eminence  will  be  sten, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  GROANS.  209 

v'jv**!  can  not  be  mistaken.  The  region  of  the  bplecn  13  between 
the  ct'^niach  and  the  false  ribs  on  the  left  side. 

In  view  of  rendering  this  subject  more  valuable  and  interesting, 
I  now  introduce  the  following,  which  was  written  for  the  "  Edin- 
burgh rleview :" 

"  Spfjnic  Apoplexy. — This  disease  broke  out  in  the  year  1858, 
on  a  £t'"3i  characterized  by  its  extreme  richness  of  soil,  in  the 
iorth  of  Xorthumberlaud.  In  1859  the  malady  reappeared,  and 
did  not  cease  until  twenty-three  head  of  cattle  had  been  affected. 
Splenic  apoplexy  is  a  malady  that  has  not  hitherto  been  observed 
in  the  north  of  Britain,  and  its  occurrence  recently  is  evidently 
to  be  attribut-ed  to  the  special  method  of  farming  and  feeding 
stock  whore  >t  has,  for  the  last  two  years,  proved  so  destructive. 

The  furd  is  a  peculiarly  dry  one.  About  three  hundred  head 
of  cattle  are  annually  fattened  on  it.  One  lot  was  made  ready 
by  Christmas,  and  sold  as  fat  beef  in  Newcastle;  a  second  was 
kept  back  until  January,  when  they  were  allowed  an  abundance 
of  turnips,  meal,  and  the  best  oat  straw.  The  cattle  affected  were 
three  years  old ;  and  it  would  appear  that  those  fed  on  Swedish 
turnips,  especially  from  a  certain  field,  suffered  most;  but  some 
fed  on  yellow  or  white  turnips  have  been  affected,  and  we  should 
regard  the  meal,  and  perhaps  the  oat  straw,  as  more  likely  to  pro- 
duce this  disorder.  According  to  Delafoud's  researches,  legum- 
inosse,  or  forage  very  rich  in  nutritive  principles  and  deficient  in 
water,  from  artificial  pastures,  are  frequent  causes  of  splenic  a]X)- 
plexy.  The  farmer  in  Northumberland  suspected  that  the  arti- 
ficial manures  had  produced  the  trouble,  and  the  following  season 
he  dressed  his  land  with  home  manure ;  but  the  prop'^rties  of  the 
last  crop  have  proved  as  deleterious  as  those  of  the  preceding  one. 
The  fact  is,  the  crop  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  development  of 
the  disease. 

The  malady  stopped  suddenly,  about  the  middle  of  February, 
and  this  was  probably  due  to  the  cattle  suffering  only  when  the 
ay  stem  was  taxed  by  change  from  rather  moderate  to  very  liigh 
feeding.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  in  cows  the  disorder  only 
affects  those  which  are  approaching  the  period  when  the  secretion 
of  milk  is  stopped,  and  when  there  is  a  tendency  to  lay  on  flesh, 
they  then  being  liable  to  plethora.  Cows  fed  on  food  capable  of 
producing  splenic  apoplexy  die  of  it. 

Cliange  of  diet  proved  of  no  avail  at  the  farm  referred  to  (show. 


2iu  DADDc    I  ETERIMARI   MEDICINE  AND  SURG ERr 

Lng  very  conclusively  that  the  food  was  not  the  special  cause). 
Common  salt  was  recommended  as  a  preventive;  but  iJelafoud 
has  shown  that  salt  is  not  a  reliable  remedy  in  such  cases.  The 
malady  stopped  spontaneously,  and  the  point  now  to  settle  is  the 
prevention  of  disease  during  the  futupe  seasons. 

For  the  benefit  of  our  readers  who  may  not  know  the  symptoma 
of  splenic  apoplexy,  we  may  mention  that  often  there  are  premon- 
itory signs — the  animals  apparently  enjoying  the  best  v)f  health 
early  in  the  morning,  may  be  dead  some  time  before  noon.  Some- 
times there  are  symptoms  of  excitement ;  the  eyes  are  prominent, 
and  the  visible  mucous  membranes  are  injected  or  reddened. 
Symptoms  of  uneasiness  suddenly  manifest  themselves,  and  col- 
icky pains  indicate  abdominal  disorder.  The  urine  voided  is  high- 
colored  and  red,  and  there  may  also  be  blood  in  the  feces.  The 
back  becomes  arched,  and  the  animal  fixes  himself,  hanging  on  to 
any  thing  by  which  he  is  tied,  or  he  will  press  his  haunches  on 
some  resting-place  in  the  corner  of  the  stall.  After  this  the  ani- 
mal soon  drops,  and  is  seized  with  convulsive  pains  and  twitchings. 
In  addition  to  the  discharge  of  feces  and  urine,  tinged  with  blood, 
there  is  a  red,  frothy  liquid,  which  escapes  from  the  nostrils ;  the 
animal  bellows,  moans,  and  soon  dies." 

Treatment. — Tonics,  alteratives,  and  glandular  stimulants  are 
indicated.     Take  of 

No.  24.  Fluid  extract  of  blood-root 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  golden  sea.l 6  oz. 

Chlorate  of  potass 4  oz. 

Dissolve  the  potass  in  one  pint  of  boiling  water ;  then  add  the 
extracts.  Give  the  patient  a  wine-glassful  every  six  hours,  until 
amendment  is  perceptible,  when  the  dose  may  be  decreased  to  two 
ounces  every  twelve  hours.  Rub  the  body  with  a  portion  of  the 
following: 

No.  25.  Proof  spirits 1    pint. 

Tincture  of  capsicum 4  oz. 

Iwo  or  three  applications,  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  houre, 
m\\  sufE^e.  Should  the  animal  suffer  much  from  colicky  pains, 
dissolve  one  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  in  four  ounces  of  hot 
water,  to  which  add  half  a  table-spoonful  of  powdered  ginger, 
and  drench  with  the  same.  Pure  air  and  a  light  diet  wi^'  ud  in 
refiU^ring  the  animal,  provided  the  case  is  curable- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTi/E  ORGAM.  211 

f  CNcrioNAL  Disease  of  the  Liver  (Jaundice  or  Y>;lix)W8). 

The  liver,  like  other  parts  of  the  digestive  apparatus,  is  lia^)le 
to  become  deranged,  in  either  function  or  structure,  by  errors  in 
diet,  which  is  the  most  potent  cause  of  both  functional  and  cr- 
garic  disease  of  the  same.  In  almost  all  cases  of  liver  disease, 
we  observe  a  yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces — membranes  of 
the  eve  and  mouth.  In  order  to  account  for  the  yellow  tinge,  we 
must  bear  in  mind  that  bile  is  formed  in  the  blood  ;  that  the  office 
of  the  liver  is  to  absorb  or  withdraw  it  from  the  circulation  con- 
stantlv,  as  fast  as  it  is  formed.  Disease  of  the  liver,  simulating 
jaundice,  manifests  itself  whenever  the  due  separation  of  the  bile 
from  the  blood  is  not  accompli  shed ;  hence  the  accumulated  bile 
seeks  other  outlets,  namely,  the  kidneys  and  intestines,  and  ex- 
cretory gland  of  the  skin. 

When  animals  become  jaundiced  suddenly,  we  may  infer  that 
the  difficulty,  whatever  it  may  be,  in  the  liver,  is  of  an  acute 
character:  that  is  to  say,  it  is  recent  in  origin  and  active  in  form. 
Jaundice  is  a  phenomenon  of  several  diseases  peculiar  to  horses. 
During  the  progress  of  the  epizootic  known  as  intluenza  i  jaun- 
diced state  of  the  visible  surfaces  is  always  present,  which  disap 
pears  when  the  patient  convalesces,  showing  that  the  liver  is  only 
functionally  deranged.  When  jaundice  accompanies  indigestion, 
and  disappears  under  the  action  of  alteratives  or  changes  in  diet, 
we  mav  also  infer  that,  if  not  absolutely  functional,  it  is,  at  least, 
not  purely  inflammatory. 

It  is  plain,  therefore,  that  jaundice  is  of  but  little  consequence 
in  prognosis,  since  the  symptoms  with  which  it  is  often  associated 
declare,  much  more  positive'ly  than  itself,  thegravity  of  the  ailectioD 
1)1  which  it  occurs  as  a  symptom.  It  sometimes  happens,  however, 
that  the  function  of  the  liver  becomes  suddenly  interrujtted,  causing 
pain,  after  the  fashion  of  what  accompanies  the  bilious  colic  of  man. 

Th?  following  case  will  probably  give  the  reader  some  idea  of 
tho  nature  of  acute  functional  disorder  of  the  liver.  Tiie  patient, 
s  Cray  gelding,  aged  nine  years,  was  suddenly  attacked  with  symp- 
totus  of  colicky  pains,  for  the  relief  of  which  the  owner  hatl  given 
a  colic  drench,  which  seemed  to  afford  temporary  ease;  but  soon 
the  svtnptoms  reappeared,  the  animal  got  down,  and  seemed  to  be 
the  subject  of  acute  pain.  Undor  <^he8e  circumstance?,  the  owne» 
■ent  for  me. 


212  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  .^ND  SURGERY. 

Sy7n2}toms. — On  arriving  at  the  stable,  I  found  the  patient  standi 
ing,  his  head  somewhat  pendulous,  appearing  dull  an_  sleepy.  The 
membranes  within  the  eyelids  and  mouth  were  of  a  bright  yellow 
tinge ;  pulse,  rather  feeble;  bowels,  constipated ;  in  short,  the  usual 
appearances  attending  functional  derangement  of  the  liver  were 
present ;  yet  the  "  key-note,"  or  diagnostic  symptom,  was  the  bright 
yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces. 

Treatment. — The  following  drench  was  given  : 

No.  2G.  Fluid  extract  of  mandrake 3  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  golden  seal 1  oz. 

Carbonate  of  soda 2  dr. 

Water ^  pint. 

An  injection  of  soap-suds  was  thrown  into  the  rectum,  which 
brought  away  a  small  quantity  of  hardened,  dark -colored  excremenlS. 
Next  day  I  found  the  patient  in  about  the  same  condition,  and  re  • 
peated  the  dose  of  medicine  and  injection.  In  the  course  of  a  few 
hours  the  bowels  responded,  evacuating  a  large  quantity  of  semi- 
fluid, dark-colored  feces,  mixed  with  a  substance  resembling  shreds 
of  albumen.  Next  day  the  animal  appeared  much  better.  I  then 
gave  two  ounces  of  fluid  extract  of  golden  seal,  and  one  drachm 
of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  and  thus  ended  the  treatment. 

This  case  is  an  illustration  of  a  simple  mode  of  treatment  far 
superior  to  the  old-fashioned  system,  which  contem])lates  strong 
doses  of  aloes  and  calomel,  agents  which  usually  intensify  the 
morbid  phenomena,  often  producing  a  medicinal  affection,  which 
requires  much  time  for  the  animal  to  recover  from.  It  is  the 
author's  opinion  that  a  vast  number  of  very  fine  animals  in  these 
United  States  die  from  the  heroic  system  of  practice,  which  over- 
looks the  best  means  of  aid  presented  by  the  resources  of  mild 
and  sanative  medication. 

We  have  long  been  an  advocate  of  the  physiological  metnod 
of  treating  disease,  and  we  contend  that  is  more  philosophical, 
nafe,  and  the  surest  means  of  restoring  an  equilibrium  of  vital 
action  in  the  animal  economy,  in  all  forms  of  morbid  conditions; 
and  we  earnestly  entreat  our  readers  to  exercise  great  faith  in  the 
powers  of  Nature  to  aid  and  assist  in  the  cure  of  all  maladies, 
and  ])lace  less  reliance  in  the  power  of  art. 

In  view  of  strengthening  the  faith  of  young  converts  to  sanii- 
tive  medication,  vve  quote  the  language  f  Sir  John  Forbes,  « 
man  of  undoubted   mlhority. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  21* 

"  Such  has  ever  been  the  want  of  trust  in  Nature,  ami  the  over- 
trust  in  art,  prevalent  among  the  members  of  the  medical  profes- 
sion, that  the  field  of  natural  observation  has  been,  to  a  great  extent-, 
hidden  from  them — hidden  either  actually  from  their  eyes  or  vir- 
tually from  their  apprehension.  The  constant  interference  of  art, 
in  the  form  of  medical  treatment,  with  the  normal  processes  of 
di&ease,  has  not  only  had  1  he  frequent  efJect  of  disturbing  them  iu 
realit}',  but,  when  it  failed  to  do  so,  has  created  the  belief  that  it 
did  so,  leading,  in  either  case,  to  an  inference  equally  wrong — the 
false  picture,  in  the  one  instance,  being  supposed  to  be  true ;  the 
true  picture,  in  the  other,  being  supposed  to  be  false." 

In  all  cases  of  liver  disease,  it  is  good  policy  to  change  the  diet, 
and  offer  the  animal  green  vegetables — sliced  carrots,  and  grass 
if  it  can  be  had.  In  all  cases  of  chronic  disease  of  the  liver,  a 
run  ut  grass  is  the  most  potent  remedy  for  the  cure  of  the  same. 

It  was  formerly  supposed  that  the  function  of  the  liver  was 
merely  to  eliminate  bile,  but  modern  physiologists  have  discovcn.'d 
that  the  blood  itself  is  changed  while  circulating  through  that 
gland,  which  elaborates  fibrine  from  albumen,  and  fat  from  sug£.r. 
The  liver  stores  up  fatty  matter,  so  that,  should  the  food  be  deficient 
in  fat,  the  liver  yields  up  what  it  contains.  It  is  very  curious  to 
notice  the  peculiarity  in  the  circulation  of  the  liver.  It  is  suj)plied, 
like  other  organs,  with  arterial  blood  for  its  own  suj)port;  and  it 
also  receives  an  immense  quantity  of  venous  blood  through,  vcino 
commencing  on  the  gastro-intestinal  cavity,  which  terminate  in  a 
vessel  named  vena  porta.  This  vessel,  on  entering  the  liver,  ram- 
ifies in  various  directions,  like  an  artery,  and  ultimately  terminates 
in  the  veins  peculiar  to  the  liver;  so  that  the  blood,  instead  of  flowing 
directly  from  the  stomach  and  intestines,  is  made  to  circulate  th  rough 
the  liver,  and  thus  the  various  transformations  are  effected.  The 
liver  must,  therefore,  perform  the  double  function  of  secretion  and 
excretion.  It  secretes  bile,  and  excretes  carbon  and  hydrogen  trom 
the  system.  Should  an  animal  labor  under  diseased  lungs,  he  may, 
under  proper  medical  treatment,  recover,  provided  the  liver  be 
healthy.  This  organ  can,  for  a  time,  eliminate  carbon  and  liydro- 
gen ;  but,  instead  of  passing  off  as  they  do  from  the  lungs,  in  the 
form  of  carbonic  acid,  they  accumulate  in  the  liver,  in  the  form 
of  fat,  or  else  the  liver  increases  to  an  extraordinary  size  In 
Strasburg  they  prepare  a  favorite  dish  from  the  livers  of  geese, 
artificially  enlarged  by  the  cruel  process  of  depriving  them  of 


Hi  DADJ)S  \ETERINARr  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Lght  and  liberty,  confining  them  in  a  warm  room,  and  stuffing 
them  with  food.    We  find  that,  under  such  barbarous  management 
there  is  a  disproportion  between  the  oxygen  respired  and  the  car- 
bon taken  in  the  form  of  food.     The  respiration  which  active  ei 
orcise  increases  and  rest  diminishes  are,  now  that  the  animal  h 
confined,  slow  and  uniform.     The  lungs  fail  in  eliminating  car- 
bonic  acid,  and  hence  carbon  and  hydrogen  are  driven  back  to  the 
livei  by  means  of  venous  circulation.     An  excess  of  carbonaceoi^s 
material  in  the  liver  is  liable  to  result  in  jaundice,  which  is  a  simplt 
functional  derangement  of  that  organ.     It  occurs  generally  in  the 
warm  months,  and  is  usually  sudden  in  its  attack. 

Among  the  most  prominent  symptoms  are  high-colored  urino, 
yellow  tinge  of  the  visible  surfaces,  languid  pulse,  and  slow  action. 
If  the  liver  be  the  seat  of  inflammatory  action,  the  pulse  will  be 
quick  and  bounding,  respiration  hurried,  the  patient  feverish,  and 
pressure  over  the  region  of  the  liver  elicits  symptoms  of  pain. 
If  simple  functional  derangement  exists  unchecked  for  any  length 
of  time,  it  leads  to  organic  lesions  and  structural  disease.  When 
the  bile  accumulates,  it  is  very  apt  to  thicken  and  pioduce  gall- 
stones or  calculi ;  if  th^se  accumulate  in  the  gall  ducts,  the  subject 
anless  relieved,  soon  dies. 

Diseases  of  the  liver  have  hitherto  been  considered  the  bane  of 
tropical  climates,  but  they  are  equally  prevalent  in  cold  and  moist 
regions.  Horses  and  men  are  as  frequently  attacked  with  it  in 
northern  as  in  southern  latitudes.  The  celebrated  sheep-breeder, 
Bakewell,  knew  that  early  disturbance  of  the  liver  led  to  the  ao 
cumulation  of  fat,  and,  in  order  to  derange  the  liver,  he  was  in 
the  habit  of  folding  his  sheep  in  wet  pastures.  Now,  the  English 
agriculturists  are  well  acquainted  with  the  fact  that  water  mea- 
dows have  a  tendency  to  produce  that  almost  incurable  disease 
termed  rot.  Rot  originates  from  a  diseased  liver,  and,  in  the 
early  stages  of  it,  the  animal  accumulates  fat  very  fast ;  so  that 
by  rotting  sheep  he  was  able  to  bring  fat  ones  early  to  market,  and 
thus  steal  a  march  on  his  more  conscientious  neighbors.  This 
f?tate  of  the  liver  termed  rot  is  associated  with  the  existence 
of  parasites  termed  distovia  hepaticum,  commonly  denominated 
flukes,  and  these  parasites  are  considered  the  cause  of  rot,  when, 
in  fact,  they  are  the  results  of  deranged  functions  of  the  liver. 
The  rot,  therefore,  is  not  local.  It  can  be  produced  in  any  coun- 
try by  exposing  animals  to  the  debilitating  effects  of  moisture  and 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  216 

neglect.  It  is  not  only  prevalent  in  England,  out  also  in  Asia, 
Africa,  and  America.  In  Egypt,  on  the  receding  of  the  Nile,  it 
spreads  to  a  fearful  extent.  In  warm  climates  the  livers  of  men 
and  animals  become  diseased,  not  so  much  from  local  causes  aa 
from  stimulating  drinks  and  diet.  If  a  man  attempts  to  consume 
the  same  amount  of  food  in  warm  that  he  has  been  accustomed  to 
in  cold  climates,  he  is  apt  to  become  bilious,  and  this  is  a  pre- 
monitory indication  of  perverted  function  of  the  liver.  A  very 
important  fact  has  lately  been  discovered  in  reference  to  the  func- 
tion of  the  liver.  A  French  chemist  has  ascertained  that  one 
function  of  the  liver  was  to  produce  sugar  out  of  the  animal  or- 
ganism. This  is  the  secret  of  the  formation  of  the  fat.  Chem- 
ically speaking,  sugar  and  fat  are  nearly  allied,  the  chief  difference 
being  that  one  contains  a  small  portion  of  oxygen. 

Many  valuable  animals  are  lost  from  organic  disease  of  the 
liver,  the  origin  of  which  may,  in  many  cases  that  have  come  to 
our  knowledge,  be  traced  to  simple  functional  derangement,  which 
has  existed  for  some  time.  Its  symptoms  are  either  unobserved 
or,  if  perceived,  disregarded.  Some  of  the  subjects  that  have  been 
put  under  our  care  for  the  treatment  of  diseased  liver  had  a  strong 
predisposition  for  the  malady,  their  color  being  black  and  tem- 
perament bilious.  Such  horsts  are  the  ones  that  require  special 
attention  whenever  they  appear  to  be  "  ailing."  It  is  remarkable 
to  observe,  however,  that  many  norses  of  a  temperament  diverse 
from  the  bilious  are  often  attached  with  organic  and  functional 
derangement  of  the  liver,  and  this  peculiarity  can  only  be  ac- 
counted for  on  the  ground  that  the  horse  has  no  gall-bladder — 
no  receptacle,  such  as  is  found  in  cattle,  for  the  accumulation  of 
bile ;  consequently,  the  horse's  liver  must  be  an  active  organ, 
especially  when  the  animal  is  permitted  to  make  but  one  meal  per 
day,  and  that  meal  occupies  a  period  from  sunrise  to  sunset,  and 
daily  and  weekly  continues  to  occupy  no  less  time.  The  conse- 
quence is,  the  organ  is  overworked,  and  is  the  seat  of  local  ex- 
haustion. The  liver  requires  regular  periods  of  rest  to  recover 
from  fatigue  oi  functional  duty,  yet  how  is  it  possible  to  secure 
the  same  when  a  horse  is  permitted  to  make  a  perpetual  hay-racK 
and  corn-bin  of  his  stomach  ?  The  herculean  feat  of  converting 
a  hay-stack  and  corn  granary  into  bone,  muscle,  and  nerve  at  the 
rate  of  2.40  is  beyond  the  physiological  capacity  of  any  vital 
organ;  therefore,  in  the  lanoruage  of  the  sailor,  the  ve^ssel  sinki 


216  DADDS  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

from  local  inundation — the  liver  caves  in  from  overwork,  too  nm«3t. 
food,  and  too  little  discretion.  A  hard  pull  on  an  omnibus,  or  a 
similar  feat  in  a  marketer's  wagon,  would  be  the  very  best  medi- 
cine in  the  world  for  a  plethoric  horse,  or  one  predisposeil  tn 
hoj)atic  derangement. 

The  Panceeas  and  its  Function. 

The  pancreas  is  a  glandular  body  lying  across  the  spine,  in  the 
fpigastric  region,  underneath  the  diaphragm,  near  the  small  curv- 
ature of  the  stomach.  The  body  of  this  gland  is  pierced  by  the 
vena  porta  (known  as  the  gate  ran) ;  has  one  attachment  to  the 
spleen,  and  another  to  the  left  kidney.  It  is  divided  into  head, 
body,  and  tail.  Structure,  similar  to  salivary  glands.  Color, 
pale  red,  speckled.  It  is  composed  of  many  lobules.  Ever\'  Inl^p 
has  a  distinct  set  of  nerves,  arteries,  veins,  and  ducts.  Every  lobe 
is,  thereforCj  considered  as  a  distinct  gland,  and  the  same  is  true 
of  the  salivary  glands.  The  duct  pierces  the  duodenum  (kncwD 
as  the  second  stomach),  alongside  of  the  hepatic  duct. 

The  panci-eatic  arteries  are  derived  mostly  from  the  hepatio. 
Several,  however,  come  from  the  splenic,  in  its  course  to  the  \et\ 
side  of  tlie  abdomen,  and  one  or  two  from  the  gastric.  The  vein  a 
are  tributary  to  the  vena  porta.  The  nerves  come  from  the  cceliac 
plexus.  The  fluid  secreted  by  the  pancreas  is  a  colorless,  limpi  \ 
fluid.  It  forms  an  emulsion  of  fat;  hence  it  dissolves  the  fotty 
matters  of  the  food.  It  is  an  active  agent  in  the  preparation  of 
chyle.  That  the  pancreatic  juice  possesses  the  property  of  emul- 
sifying fat  is  j^oved  from  the  fact  that  when  the  pancreas  is 
destroyed,  and  the  animal  fed  on  food  containing  fatty  matter,  the 
latter  passes  with  the  feces,  just  like  fat  in  an  unchanged  state. 

Mr.  Gamqee  says:  "The  pancreatic  juice  has  another  impor- 
tant use  which  remains  to  be  spoken  of,  and  that  is  a  peculiar 
action  on  nitrogenized  substances.  If  raw  meat  be  placed  in 
awn 3  of  the  juice,  the  meat  speedily  softens  and  putrefies.  The 
same  occurs  with  albumen  or  caseine  in  the  raw  state  ;  but  if  the 
azotized  principles  are  previously  boiled,  or  acted  ujton  by  the 
g^«tric  juice,  the  pancreatic  therefore  serves  many  purjioses,  and 
acts  on  every  kind  of  aliment. 

Circumstances  atiecting  the  digestive  function  in  general  have  a 
8})ecial  influence  on  the  jiancreas,  and  modif}'  its  secretion.     Siicb 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  217 

IB  not  the  case  with  the  salivary  glands  and  their  prod\icts.  The 
pancreatic  juice  may,  like  every  other  secretion,  be  found  to  con- 
tain adventitious  substances  that  have  accidentally  entered  the 
blood.  Thus,  iodide  of  potassium  may  be  eliminated  from  the 
system  by  the  pancreas.  It  is  not  so  with  every  salt,  the  prussiatc 
of  potash^  for  example,  never  being  seen  in  the  pancreatic  juice. 

The  pancreatic  secretion  is  formed  during  infra-uterine  life,  but 
we  are  at  a  loss  to  account  for  its  uses  there.  It  is  difficult  to  de- 
termine what  nervous  influences  affects  its  production.  A  dose  of 
ether  excites  it,  and  pressure  on  the  abdominal  viscera  likewise 
tends  to  its  increase ;  the  efforts  of  vomiting  stop  it." 

Worms  or  Parasites  which  infest  the  Intestinal  Canal. 

There  are  various  forms  of  parasites  which  infest  the  alimentary 
canal  of  horses  and  cattle  which,  no  doubt,  are  the  cause  of  some 
annoyance  to  the  infested ;  but  really  they  are  not,  at  all  times,  so 
injurious  as  some  writers  make  them  out  to  be.  They  are  rarely 
if  ever  found  in  the  intestines  of  healthy  animals,  and  their  pres- 
ence is  generally  due  to  a  deranged  condition  of  the  digestive 
organs.     They  very  frequently  originate  spontaneously. 

"Certain  independent  organisms,  both  vegetable  and  animal, 
are  found  in  the  body.  The  vegetable  growths  are  all  microscopic, 
and  belong  to  the  lowest  order  of  plants,  the  algte  and  fungu 
They  are  never  met  with  except  upon  cutaneous  or  mucous  sur- 
faces, nor  while  these  surfaces  remain  healthy,  usually.  A  secre- 
tion of  fibrine  or  mucus,  undergoing  decomposition,  forms  the  soil 
in  which  they  grow.  In  some  cases,  they  are  believed  to  be  the 
media  of  contagion. 

Animal  parasites  are  very  numerous.  Many  of  them  are  in- 
fiisoriul.  Many  belong  to  the  class  of  insects  and  mites,  as  fleas, 
lice,  bugs,  and  the  acari,  of  which  the  most  important  one  is  the 
itch-mite.  A  class  of  higher  consequence  comprises  several  sorts 
of  worms.  Those  which  infest  the  intestinal  canal  are  extremely 
sommon,  and  are  tlie  oxguris  vermicidaris,  or  thread-worm,  which 
inhabits  the  rectum ;  the  trichocephalus  dispar,  or  long  thread- 
worm, which  is  found  in  the  large  intestine,  and  especially  in  tha 
csecum;  the  ascares  lumbricoedes,  or  round  worm,  whose  ordinary 
residence  is  the  small  intestine;  the  tape-worm,  or  tsenia,  whiel 
also  effects  the  same  part.     The  kidney  is  occasionally  the  seat  at 


218  DADDS  VETERINARY   MEDiCINE  AND  SURGERY. 

a  round  worm,  called  ths  strongylus  gigas,  measuring  from  fi\< 
inches  to  three  feet  in  length,  and  from  two  to  six  lines  in  thick- 
ness. 

The  diseases  with  which  even  large  intestinal  worms  are  con- 
nected appear  to  be  sometimes  the  cause  and  sometimes  the  effect 
of  the  presence  of  these  parasites.  Very  often  they  exist  in  con- 
ai^crahle  numbers  without  producing  the  least  disturbance  of  the 
rcouomy,  but  in  other  cases  they  are  unquestionably  the  cause  of 
much  suffering  and  ill-health.  How  far  they  are  themselves  the 
result  of  a  morbid  state  of  the  organs  in  which  they  appear  is 
still  an  undecided  question. 

The  origin  of  parasites  is  extremely  obscure,  and  has  long  been 
a  mooted  point  among  naturalists.  It  may  not  be  inappropriate 
to  present  a  summary  of  the  opinions  which  are  entertained  respect- 
ing a  Subject  of  so  much  interest,  but,  in  doing  so,  we  shall  confine 
our  remarks  to  the  parasitic  animals  which  inhabit  the  interior  of 
the  body,  or  entozoa. 

It  is  evident  that  these  animals  must  originate  in  one  of  two 
ways ;  that  they  must  be  derived  directly  or  indirectly  from  with- 
out, or  be  created  out  of  materials  existing  within,  and  furnished 
by,  the  body.  No  other  supposition  is  possible.  If  an  entozoon 
is  in  any  manner  derived  from  without,  it  must  be  admitted  that 
this  takes  place  either  through  the  reception  of  the  animal  itself 
or  of  its  ova.  If  either  opinion  be  assumed,  it  follows  that  the 
parent  animal  must  exist  somewhere  external  to  the  body.  But 
the  parasites  in  question  have  never,  in  any  case  whatever,  be(in 
detected  except  within  the  organism.  If  it  is  objected  that  many 
of  these  animals  are  so  minute  that  they  might  easily  elude  dis- 
covery in  the  elements  around  us,  the  argument  fails  when  applied 
to  the  giant  strongylus,  the  stout  lumbricoid  worm,  and  the  taenia, 
measuring  many  yards  in  length.  Besides,  even  admitting  for  & 
moment  the  possibility  of  the  parasites  which  inhabit  the  intes- 
tine, and  other  mucous  cavities,  having  once  existed  externally, 
the  insuperable  difficulty  still  remains  of  explaining  the  entranofl 
of  entozoa  into  shut  cavities  and  parenchymatous  structures — into 
tht  eye,  or  the  muscles,  for  example,  and  their  presence  in  the 
unborn  child,  and  even  in  the  bodies  of  larger  entozoa  of  a  differ- 
ent species.  On  the  other  hand,  if  it  is  maintained  that  the  ova 
are  alone  received,  it  must  still  be  shown  that  the  ova  exist  exter- 
nal 1o  the  body,  which   has   never  been  done.     Nor  would  th« 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  219 

sdniissi(  n  of  this  explanation  be  sufficient ;  for  many  of  tlie  entozoa 
are  not  propagated  by  eggs,  but  belong  to  the  viviparous  class, 
60  that  in  regard  to  them  the  difficulty  remains  undiminished. 
But  granting  the  existence  of  ova  without,  and  their  reception  into 
the  body,  it  is  still  impossible  to  explain  the  development  froni 
them  of  the  animals  found  in  the  parenchyma,  in  the  embryo,  etc., 
without,  at  the  same  time,  admitting  that  the  ova  are  not  only 
carried  to  these  localities  through  the  blood-vessels,  but  actually 
pass  through  the  walls  of  the  capillaries.  Such  an  admission 
would  be  a  physiological  absurdity;  for  the  extreme  vessels  will 
allow  of  the  passage  of  a  single  blood-globule  at  a  time,  and  no 
more,  and  will  not  permit  any  denser  fluid  than  the  plasma  of  the 
jlood  to  permeate  their  walls.  How,  then,  could  they  afford  a 
passage  in  any  manner  to  ova,  the  least  of  which  is  ten  times  as 
large  as  a  blood  globule? 

If  the  hypothebis  now  presented  is  untenable,  it  only  remains 
to  adopt  the  alternative  one,  to-wit :  that  entozoa  are  generated  or 
created  anew  out  of  the  materials  or  the  products  of  the  living 
organism.  It  may  be  urged  affirmatively,  in  support  of  this  doc- 
trine, that  each  organ  possesses  its  own  entozoa — the  kidney,  a 
species  different  from  those  of  the  intestine,  which  are,  again,  un- 
like the  parasites  of  the  liver.  Even  more:  the  several  ])arts  of 
the  same  organ  generate  dissimilar  animals.  The  small  intestine 
produces  the  round  and  the  tape-worms ;  the  large  intestine,  the 
two  species  of  thread-worms.  These  facts  seem  to  show  that  some 
extremely  local  concurrence  of  circumstances  is  essential  to  the 
production  of  tlie  several  entozoa.  It  may  also  be  argued,  and  we 
think  the  argument  unanswerable,  that  if  spermatic  animalcules, 
which  exist  in  the  testicle,  are  there  spontaneously  generated,  no 
violence  is  done  to  probability  in  supposing  parasitic  animals  ta 
be  produced  in  the  same  manner.  It  will  hardly  be  denied  that 
spermatozoa  are  literally  evolved  from  the  constituents  of  the 
aemen  ;  but  it  is  objected  to  the  doctrine  of  spontaneous  generation 
that  it  is  agaiast  analogy,  which  every- where  supports  the  famous 
dogma,  07nne  vivum  ex  ovo.  This  objection  is  a  mere  begging  of 
the  question.  The  decision  of  the  case  in  hand  involves  the  truth 
of  the  theory  just  quoied,  and,  as  we  believe,  nmst  be  allowed  to 
show  that  this  theor}'  is  not  absolutely  universal  in  its  application. 
Other  focts,  also,  among  which  are  the  following,  tend  to  invali- 
date it.     Nothing  can  be   more  certain  than  that  all  organized 


220  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY, 

beings  were,  at  some  time  or  other,  created.  Geology  proves  1  hai 
successive  genera  and  species  have  been  thus  created,  at  long  in- 
tervals apart;  and  the  history  of  disease  renders  it  probable  that 
one  affection,  at  least  (syphilis),  which  is  only  propagated  by  direct 
descent,  ex  ovo,  as  it  were,  is  really  of  comparatively  recent  origin. 

In  conclusion,  after  the  review  of  the  preceding  outline  of  an 
argument  upon  the  generation  of  parasitic  entozoa,  we  feel  obliged 
to  admit  that  the  weight  of  facts  and  probabilities  is  wholly  on 
the  side  of  the  doctrine  of  spontaneous  generation.  At  the  same 
time,  we  can  not  but  look  with  interest  to  the  results  of  future 
observations  in  this  field,  nor  altogether  suppress  the  hope  that 
the  simple  law  of  Nature,  omne  vivum  ex  ovo,  may  even  yet  be 
found  to  embrace  the  classes  which  now  appear  to  form  so  striking 
an  exception  to  its  provisions."* 

Symjytoyns. — The  usual  symptoms  indicating  the  presence  of 
worms  in  the  intestinal  canal  are,  sometimes,  a  scurfy,  yellow  mu- 
cous accumulation  around  the  margin  of  the  anus ;  the  a}>petite 
is  not  uniform ;  the  bowels  are  irregular,  sometimes  loose,  and 
sometimes  constipated ;  and  the  feces  are  often  shrouded  with 
shreds  of  mucus,  of  a  yellow  color.  When  ascarides  are  present 
(located  in  the  rectum),  the  horse  is  much  inclined  to  rub  his  tail 
against  any  post  or  fence  he  can  get  at,  and  he  employs  himself 
at  such  feats  against  the  sides  of  the  stall,  in  view,  probably,  ©f 
allaying  the  intolerable  itching  which  usually  attends  the  presence 
of  these  parasites. 

The  lumbrici,  or  round  worms,  sometimes  exist  in  the  intes- 
tines in  great  numbers.  They  are  then  apt  to  be  hurtful.  In 
such  cases,  the  coat  looks  unthrifty,  and  the  hair  has  lost  its  na- 
tural glossiness,  and  appears  rough  to  the  sense  of  touch.  It  has 
been  noticed,  also,  that  when  horses  are  afflicted  with  intestinal 
parasites,  their  breath  gives  out  a  fetid  odor,  and  they  have  a  sort 
of  dry,  hacking  cough.  It  is  well  known,  however,  that  some 
horses,  enjoying,  apparently,  the  very  best  kind  of  health,  are  often 
the  subjects  of  worms. 

Treatment. — Most  of  the  remedies  recommended  in  the  ancient 
works  on  fariery  are  just  about  as  likely  to  kill  the  horse  as  the 
parasites,  and  iDnsequently  are,  to  say  the  least,  unsafe.  The  true 
theory  is  thl  .  worms  are  the  result  of  indigestion;  hence  our 

•Stmt's  "Elements  of  Pathology." 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  221 

object,  by  way  of  prevention,  is  to  give  tone  to  the  digestive  or- 
gans ;  and  soon  after  the  worms  have  congregated  in  the  intestinal 
canal,  bitter  tonics  and  alteratives  are  obnoxious  to  them.  They 
then  die,  are  digested,  and  pass  from  the  anus  as  fecal  matter. 

Suppose  we  give  the  infested  horse  powerful  j)urgcs,  tartar 
emetic,  calomel,  turpentine,  etc.,  as  the  books  recommend.  We 
Taay  £U(  ceed  in  their  expulsion,  but  that  does  not  mend  the  mat- 
ter foi  the  agents  just  named  are  all  more  or  less  jirostrating, 
And  create  a  worse  state  of  digestive  derangement  than  that  which 
previously  existed,  and  soon,  by  virtue  of  s})ontaneous  generation, 
a  new  crop  of  parasites  make  their  appearance. 

When  a  horse  shows  any  of  the  symptoms  here  alluded  to,  in- 
iicating  indigestion,  or  the  actual  presence  of  worms,  I  recommend 
^hat  an  occasional  dose  of  the  following  be  given : 

No.  27.  I'owdcred  poplar  bark  (populus  tremuloides).  ^ 

Powdered  sulphur >  equal  parta. 

Powdered  salt S 

Mix. 

Dose,  one  table-spoonful,  to  be  mixed  with  braa  or  oata.  , 

EXAMPLES    OF    TERMIFDOES. 

No.  1. — Fluid  extract  of  wormwood,  four  drachms ;  to  be  given 
in  the  morning,  before  feeding  time,  for  several  successive  days. 

No.  2. — Give  one  ounce  of  fluid  extract  of  pink-root,  every 
morning,  before  feeding,  for  a  week. 

A   OOOD    REMEDY    FOR    THE    TAPE-WORH. 

Give  four  drachms  of  the  solid  extract  of  male  fern  (a.s})idinm 
felix  maa)  every  other  morning,  during  a  period  of  about  ten  days. 
This  is  said  to  be  a  specific  for  tape-worm. 

Finally,  as  regards  the  treatment  of  worms.  Nature  has  endowed 
these  parasites  with  such  tenacity  of  life,  that  no  matters  knowr 
to  us  will  effect  their  destruction,  though  a  few  may  answer  tdt 
purpose  of  their  expulsion.  Bots  are  so  hardy  as  apparently  tf. 
survive  immersion  in  oil,  in  alcohol,  spirits  of  turpentine,  and 
even  powerful  solutions  of  mineral  acids.  The  continued  u.se  of 
salt,  mixed  with  the  food,  appears,  however,  obnoxious  to  them; 
for  sometimes,  under  its  use,  their  hold  gives  way,  and  they  are 
eiec^ed      Bitters,   purgatives,    and   the    mechanical   irritation   of 


5122  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDlCHSii  AND  SURGERT. 

pointed  bodies,  as  pewter,  tin,  etc.,  have  no  effect  whatever  upou 
\fOts ;  but  with  regard  to  the  other  parasites,  rather  more  succeai 
mav  be  expected  from  medical  aid,  in  the  form  of  vermifuge!* 
It  nas  been  attempted  to  effect  the  removal  of  worms  mechan- 
iaily,  by  dissolving  the  mucus  they  are  supposed  to  be  imbedded 
m,  for  which  purpose  lime-water,  oil,  solutions  of  aloes,  etc.,  hav€ 
been  injected  by  clyster  up  the  rectum,  and  which  practice  is  most 
to  be  depended  on  for  the  ejection  of  ascarides  when  in  the  rectum. 
This  practice  of  washing  away  the  mucus  of  the  intestine,  and 
thus  to  deprive  the  intestine  of  the  secretion  given  for  its  piotee- 
tion,  is  not  to  be  recommended,  though  oil,  for  this  end,  would  be 
harmless.  Strong  purges  are  given  with  the  same  intent,  which 
may  remove  them  also  from  the  whole  alimentary  track.  Reme- 
dies have  likewise  been  exhibited  to  destroy  them  within  the 
Dody,  by  the  mechanical  irritation  of  their  spiculi,  under  which 
view  tin,  brass,  iron,  and  pewter  are  thought  remedial.  The  In- 
dian caustic  barley  and  Indian  pink  are  reputed  vermifuges 
against  the  teres  and  ascaris.  The  oil  of  turpentine  has  also  been 
strongly  recommended  as  an  excellent  general  vermifuge;  but, 
except  for  the  destruction  of  the  tsenia,  or  tape-worm,  it  certainly 
does  not  appear  to  deserve  that  character."* 

•  "Blaine's  Outlines" 


SECTION  VIII. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS. 

LntXIfMATION  OF  THE  KiDNETS — INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  B1.ASDER — StOUK  IS  tn 

Bladder — Suppeession  of  the  Urine — Retentios  of  the  Ubine — Diabetsb, 
OR  Profuse   Stalling — Rdptcbe  of  the  Bladder — Albuminous  Ubih* 
Hamatubia,  or  Bloodt  Urine. 

Inflammation  op  the  Kidneys  (Nephritis). 

ANEPHKITIC  affection  is  often  mistaken  for  what  soma 
persons  term  "sprain  across  the  kidneys"  (lumbar  sprain). 
It  is  a  mistake  of  some  importance,  from  the  fact  that  when  sprain 
or  strain  is  suspected,  people  are  apt  to  resort  to  the  use  of  irri- 
tating embrocations  or  liniments,  which  m-  uo  much  harm,  as 
their  action  is  to  augment  heat  and  pain,  which,  in  case  of  ne- 
phritis, is  to  be  avoided. 

Symptoms. — Hard  and  accelerated  pulse ;  quickened  raspiration, 
indicative  of  pain;  back,  arched;  legs,  straddling;  the  head  is 
often  turned  toward  the  loins,  or  region  of  pain ;  the  animal  is 
unwilling  to  describe  a  circle  with  its  body,  and,  while  the  acute 
stage  lasts,  scarcely  if  ever  gets  down  on  the  floor ;  the  urine  is 
reddened  and  scanty ;  finally,  the  animal  crouches  when  pressure 
is  made  over  the  region  of  the  loins,  and,  as  is  the  case  in  all  acut« 
affections,  thirst  and  loss  of  appetite  are  observable. 

Treatment. — The*  treatment  of  nephritis,  in  the  acute  or  inflam- 
matory stage,  is  just  such  as  would  be  proper  supposing  the  case 
to  be  one  of  enteritis,  or  peritonitis.  Twenty  or  forty  drops  of 
fluid  extract  of  gelseminum  may  be  placed  on  the  tongue  two  oi 
three  times,  at  intervals  of  four  hours ;  fomentations  of  hops  oi 
poppy-heads  (warm)  should  be  applied  to  the  loins,  and  occa- 
sional enemas  of  warm  water  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum. 
The  drink  shouM  nonsist  of  what  is  known  as  flaxseed  or  slippery- 

^22  J) 


224  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  Sl/RGERT. 

tlm  tea.  Soon  the  inflammatory  symptoms  will  subside,  the  patient 
will  manifest  some  relief  from  pain,  and  the  color  of  the  urine  will 
change,  become  lighter  and  thicker  in  consistence.  We  then  dis- 
continue the  above  treatment,  and  administer  one  ounce  of  fluid 
txtract  of  buchu,  morning  and  evening.  This  treatment,  aided  by 
rest  and  good  nursing,  usually  completes  the  cure. 

Should  it  be  suspected  that  the  animal  has  a  fit  of  pain,  caused 
by  the  "gravel,"  or  passage  or  presence  of  urinary  calculi,  then 
two  irachms  of  muriatic  acid  should  be  mixed  in  the  ordinary 
drink,  every  time  the  animal  is  watered.  He  should  also  have  a 
email  quantity  of  powdered  slippery  -elm  or  flaxseed  mixed  with 
the  food.  Horses  the  subjects  of  urinary  calculi  pass  urine  which, 
pn  being  caught  in  an  earthen  vessel,  deposits  phos})hates  and  other 
earthy  matter.  When  this  occurs,  and  the  animal  has  a  fit  of  pain 
or  gravel,  we  may  infer,  in  the  absence  of  more  positive  proof,  that 
uinary  calculi  are  present  in  some  portion  of  the  urinary  apparatus. 

Inflammation  of  the  Bladder  (Cystitis). 

The  principal  symptom  of  inflammation  of  the  bladder  is  fre- 
quent urination,  accompanied  by  straining  and  pain.  Sometimes 
the  urine  dribbles  away,  involuntarily  or  not,  as  the  case  may  be. 
It  appears  that  the  least  distension  of  the  bladder  causes  pain; 
hence  the  effort  to  keep  it  empty.  The  urine  is  usually  high- 
colored,  or,  rather,  of  a  dull  red  color.  The  animal  stands  with 
his  hind  limbs  widely  separated.  The  treatment  is  precisely  tlie 
Bame  as  that  just  recommended  for  inflammation  of  the  kidneys. 

Stone  in  the  Bladder. 

One  very  remarkable  symptom  attending  the  presence  of  calcu- 
lus, or  stone  in  the  bladder,  is,  that  after  the  urine  is  voided  there 
cjomes  a  painful  sensation,  which  causes  the  horse  to  groan.  ThLi 
is  caused  by  the  walls  of  the  bladder  coming  forcibly  in  contact 
with  the  calculus,  which  is  now  a  foreign  body.  Occasionally  the 
horse  is  urmatmg  a  full  stream,  when,  all  at  once,  the  stream  is 
suddenly  arrested,  the  animal  still  straining  until  urination  again 
eoramenc's.  This  is  a  pretty  sure  sign  of  stone  in  the  bladder. 
Stones  tl.dt  have  b(.en  taken  from  the  bladder,  after  death,  present 
a  highlj  -polished  Sdrface;  hence  they  do  not  produce  that  amoun* 


DISEASES    OF   THE    UKIXARY    ORGANS,  225 

of  irritation  which  proceeds  from  intestinal  calculi,  the  surfaces  of 
which  are  always  rough. 

Mr.  You  ATT  sa}s  that  "  the  symptoms  of  ptone  in  the  bladder 
much  resemble  those  of  spasmodic  colic,  except  that,  on  careful 
inquiry,  it  will  be  found  that  there  has  been  much  irregularity  in 
the  discharge  of  urine,  and  occasional  suppression  of  it.  When 
fits  of  apparent  colic  frequently  return,  and  are  accompanied  by 
any  peculiarity  in  the  appearance  or  the  discharge  of  the  urine,  the 
horse  should  be  carefully  examined.  For  this  purpose,  he  must 
be  thrown.  If  there  is  stone  in  the  bladder,  it  will,  while  the 
horse  lies  on  his  back,  press  on  the  rectum.  Several  cases  have 
lately  occurred  of  successful  extraction  of  the  calculus,  but  to 
effect  this  it  is  always  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  the  aid  of  a 
veterinary  practitioner." 

It  is  not  necessary  to  cast  the  hors«  in  view  of  ascertaining  the 
presence  of  calculus.  The  hand  can  be  introduced  into  the  rectum 
while  the  horse  is  standing.  The  rectum  should,  however,  first  be 
evacuated  by  enemas  of  warm  water.  But  we  have  a  better  plan 
than  this.  A  sound  or  jointed  catheter  has  been  invented,  which, 
when  passed  into  the  bladder,  determines,  by  percussion,  the  pres- 
ence of  calculi.  The  operation  of  lithotomy  can  only  be  performed 
by  one  skilled  in  the  science  ;  yet  the  reader  may  desire  to  know 
something  about  the  mode  of  performing  it  ;  therefore  I  introduce 
a  case  of  the  kind,  which  occurred  in  the  practice  of  Mr.  Field. 
The  following  is  the  case  : 

"  The  animal  was  cast,  in  the  usual  manner,  and  both  hind 
legs  were  drawn  to  the  shoulders,  as  if  for  castration.  Eead's  new 
flexible  catheter  being  passed  into  the  bladder,  a  quantity  of  warm 
water  was  injected  sufficient  to  distend  that  organ  and  the  urethra 
moderately.  The  catheter  being  withdrawn,  and  holding  the  penis 
with  the  left  hand,  a  slightly-curved  grooved  staff,  two  feet  long, 
was  introduced,  so  as  for  the  curved  part  to  come  into  the  subanal 
portion  of  the  urethra,  above  the  posterior  edge  of  the  ischium, 
extending  toward  the  sphincter  ani.  An  assistant,  kneeling  on 
the  left  side  of  the  horse,  drew  the  penis  forward  with  his  left 
hand,  and  gently  pushed  the  staff  backward  with  the  right,  at  the 
same  time  keeping  the  groove  exactly  beneath  the  raphe.  This 
elevated  the  portion  of  the  urethra  to  be  incised.  I  then  made  an 
incision  a  line  from  and  on  the  right  side  of  the  raphe,  through 
the  skin  and  fascia,  extending  the  length  of  from  three  to  four 
15 


226  DAbDS  VETLiaNARV   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

inches,  and,  pushing  the  penis  a  little  on  one  side,  I  gradually 
divided  the  muscular  and  spongy  portion,  and  exposed  the  mucous 
memb-ane  of  the  urethra,  when  tlie  finger  readily  detected  the 
groove  of  the  staff,  into  which  a  small  incision  was  made  sufficieiit 
to  admit  the  bistoire  cacMe,  following  which  with  the  index  finger 
of  the  left  hand,  the  membrane  was  divided  to  the  rectum.  Very 
little  blood  flowed,  and  the  water  of  the  urethra  gushed  out.  The 
Etaff  being  removed,  I  easily  introduced  the  small  forceps  through 
the  urethra  into  the  bladder,  and  grasped  the  stone,  a  portion  of 
which  flaked  off.  The  large  forceps  were  then  employed,  and, 
my  brother  holding  the  handles,  I  directed  the  blades  uj>on  the 
stone,  my  left  hand  being  in  the  rectum.  Having  placed  the 
stone  in  a  proper  position,  I  grasped  it  with  the  forceps,  and,  with 
both  hands,  gave  it  a  half-turn,  so  as  to  place  its  widest  axis  be- 
tween the  pubis  and  rectura;  and  thus,  with  a  moderate  force,  I 
gradually  and  evenly  drew  it  out,  the  neck  of  the  bladder  readily 
dilating.  Two  stitches  were  inserted  in  that  part  of  the  incision 
nearest  the  anas,  the  lower  part  being  left  to  itself." 

Sdi»peession  op  Urine. 

Suppression  of  urine  signifies  that  condition  in  which  no  urine 
is  either  secreted  or  voided.  The  affection  is  due  to  either  func- 
tional or  organic  disease  of  the  kidneys,  or  it  is  an  accompaniment 
of  various  forms  of  disease,  and,  in  such  cases,  is  termed  functional. 
For  example,  I  lately  treated  a  horse  the  subject  of  jaundice; 
he  did  not  pass  a  drop  of  urine  for  two  days.  I  inferred  that 
the  kidneys  were  inactive,  and  did  not  secrete  urine,  therefore  he 
had  none  to  pass;  but  after  this  period,  a  slight  improvement  in 
the  disease  (jaundice)  having  taken  place,  he  urinated,  yet  at  first 
only  in  small  quantities. 

When  the  affection  comes  on  periodically,  it  indicates  organic 
lisease  of  the  kidneys,  and,  finally,  is  apt  to  prove  fatal.  "Wat  ■ 
liON  says  "  that  if  no  urine  be  separated  from  the  blood,  coma 
soon  supervenes,  and  death.  It  is  believed  that  these  conse- 
quences result  from  the  detention  of  urea  in  the  system.  Urea  is 
a  mere  excrement,  w  \ich,  in  health,  is  lemoved  from  the  blood 
by  the  kidneys  as  fast  as  it  enters  that  fluid.  When  it  is  not  so 
carried  off,  it  accumulattis  in  the  blood,  circulates  with  it  to  everj 
l>art  of  the  body,  and  acts  as  a  i)oison,  especiallr  upon  the  bra*  a 


DISEASES    OF   THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  227 

To  fender  it  thus  poisonous,  however,  its  decomposition  in  th« 
blood  appears  to  be  requisite. 

This  is  one  of  the  numerous  instances  showing  that  the  carry- 
ing fluid  of  the  body  may  become  the  vehicle  of  disease  and  death, 
if  it  be  not  duly  purged  of  deleterious  matters  which  pertain  tc 
the  unceasing  processes  of  organic  life.  If  carbonic  acid  be  nd 
extricated  by  the  lungs,  the  animal  functions  are  as  certainly  and 
almost  as  speedily  extinguished  by  that  gas  as  the  flame  of  a  tap-er 
might  be,  and  we  know  that  when  the  outlet  of  the  liver  is  shut 
ap,  when  the  blood  is  not  pumped  from  the  excreraentitious  bile^ 
the  powers  of  animal  life  are  weakened  and  sometimes  utterly 
und  rapidly  destroyed." 

Frequent  complaints  are  made  to  me,  by  horsemen,  that  their 
horses  do  not  urinate  sufficiently,  and  I  am  requested  to  furnish 
diuretics.  I  usually  advise  the  former  not  to  feel  alarmed,  for 
Nature  regulates  these  matters,  and,  in  time,  all  will  be  well ;  pro- 
vided, however,  good  food  is  furnished,  and  proper  care  is  taken 
of  the  animal.  The  subject  being  one  of  importance,  both  aa 
reo-ards  man  and  horse,  I  here  introduce  the  following  article 
from  Watson's  "Lectures:" 

"  Suiipressiou  of  urine,  for  a  considerable  time,  is  not,  however, 
necessarily  and  universally  fatal.  Patients  laboring  under  the 
epidemic  cholera  would  secrete  not  a  drop  of  water  for  some  days, 
and  yet  recover.  It  was  remarkable  how  entirely  free  such  patients 
were  from  any  approach  toward  coma.  Was  the  urea  here  drained 
off  from  the  blood  in  the  enormous  and  unnatural  flux  from  the 
stomach  and  bowels?  I  think  it  probably  was;  but  chemicaJ 
Bcarch  has  not  detected  that  substance  in  the  fluids  so  eff'used. 
Schmidt  thinks,  indeed,  that  it  would  be  found  but  for  its  rapid 
decomposition  into  carbonate  of  ammonia.  There  are,  however, 
some  very  singular  instances  on  record  of  persons  who  have  passed 
days  and  even  weeks  without  secreting  urine,  and  without  show- 
ing any  other  indication  of  impaired  health.  "Wliat  degree  of 
credit  such  narratives  deserve  I  do  not  know ;  but  assuming  that 
there  was  neither  fraud  nor  mistake,  it  may  be  suspected  thai 
either  the  natural  secretion  was  compensated  by  some  vicarioua 
or  3U])plemental  discharge,  or  that  a  small  quantity  of  urine  waa 
•  cta-xlly  separated  by  the  kidneys.  '  If  any  water,  however  small 
the  quantity,'  remarks  Sir  Henry  Halford,  Miad  been  made  in 
these  cases,  I  should  have  thought  it  possible  that  the  patient 


22«  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

might  have  recovered ;  for  it  has  often  surprised  me  to  obserr* 
how  small  has  been  the  measure  of  that  excremenfitious  fluid 
which  the  frame  has  sometimes  thrown  off,  and  yet  preserved 
itself  harmless.  But  the  cessation  of  the  excretion  altogethei  is 
universally  a  fatal  symptom  in  my  experience,  being  followed  by 
oppression  on  the  brain.'  The  same  eminent  physician  states  tha* 
in  three  of  his  five  cases  there  was  observed  a  remarkably  strong 
urinous  smell  in  the  perspiration  for  twenty-four  hours  before 
death.  This  I  believe  is  of  common  occurrence  in  such  cases. 
Other  patients  have  vomited,  or  passed  by  the  bowels,  watery 
matters  possessing  some  of  the  sensible  qualities  of  urine ;  and  a 
urinous  fluid  is  said  to  have  been  found  in  the  ventricles  of  the 
brain  in  some  of  the  fatal  cases. 

I  have  spoken  of  suppression  oi  urine  as  a  malady^  though  it 
probably  is  never  any  thing  more  than  a  symptom;  yet  it  is  one 
of  those  symptoms  which,  from  our  uncertainty  respecting  their 
origin  and  determining  cause,  we  are  obliged  to  treat  and  to  study 
bs  if  they  were  substantive  diseases.  In  the  only  well-marked 
instance  that  I  have  seen  of  suppression  of  urine  coming  on  in  an 
apparently  healthy  person,  some  blood  had  appeared  in  the  urine 
for  a  day  or  two  before  the  secretion  was  totally  suspended,  and 
the  kidneys  were  found  gorged  with  blood.  Extreme  congestion 
or  inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  gland  is  probably  at  the 
bottom  of  many  of  these  cases.  The  same  train  of  symptoms 
supervenes  not  unfrequently  upon  organic  renal  disease.  They 
happen,  too,  sometimes^  when  the  ureters  become  impervious  from 
disease,  or  from  impacted  gravel.  In  this  condition  urine  con- 
tinues to  be  secreted,  for  a  time  at  least,  and  distends  the  ureter 
behind  the  seat  of  the  obstruction.  The  apoplectic  state  which 
ensues  may  arise  from  a  reabsorption  of  the  secreted  fluid ;  or,  in 
consequence  of  the  obstacle,  the  secretion  itself,  after  going  to  a 
certain  point,  may  stop,  and  then  the  case  becomes  a  case  of  sup- 
pression." 

Treatment. — Persons  desirous  of  administering  medicine  for  the 
treatment  of  this  affection,  are  advised  to  give  half  an  ounce  of 
powdered  chlorate  of  potass,  dissolved  in  the  drink,  every  night, 
and  half  an  ounce  of  fluid  extract  of  buchu  every  morning. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  22» 

Retention  of  Urine. 

Retention  and  suppression  of  urine  are  terms  very  often  oon- 

founded  with  each  other.  We  have  just  shown  what  is  n  eant  by 
Buppression,  and  now  it  remains  for  us  to  understand  the  true  na- 
ture of  retention.  Retention  signifies  an  undue  delay  of  natural 
discliarges.  The  secretion  of  urine  may  be  active  as  ever,  yet  the 
animal  has  not  the  power  to  void  it.  The  bladder  soon  becomes 
distended  beyond  its  physiological  capacity.  Its  muscular  fibers 
are  overstretched,  and  thus  have  not  the  power  to  contract  again 
until  the  fluid  is  evacuated  by  means  of  the  catheter;  hence  the 
treatment  of  such  a  case  as  this  pertains  more  to  the  art  of  sur- 
gery than  that  of  medicine. 

Treatment. — In  most  of  these  cases  we  find  the  neck  of  the  blad- 
der spasmodically  contracted.  The  spasm  may  be  either  primary 
or  it  may  accompany  spasmodic  colic,  which  is  often  the  case.  In 
fact  some  animals,  when  suffering  from  retention  of  urine,  act  just 
as  if  they  had  colic;  hence  it  is,  in  such  cases,  highly  necessar_y 
that  the  bladder  be  examined  by  introducing  a  hand  into  the 
rectum.  By  this  means,  should  the  bladder  be  distended,  it  can 
easily  be  discovered.  The  catheter  must  then  be  introduced,  or 
the  animal  will  die  from  rupture  of  the  bladder.  Provided  no 
catheter  should  be  at  hand,  I  should  throw  into  the  rectum  copi- 
ous enemas  of  warm  water,  and  administer  one  or  two  ounces  of 
tincture  of  assafetida  as  an  antispasmodic,  which  may  possibly 
have  the  desired  effect. 


Diabetes,  or  Profuse  Stalling. 

Many  veterinary  writers  contend  that  diabetes  is  caused  by  tne 
administration  of  diuretics,  or  else  in  consequence  of  impropet 
food.  In  some  instances  this  may  be  true.  Errors  of  this  kind 
may  produce  an  excessive  flow  of  urine,  but  this  does  not  consti- 
tute diabetci. 

Sym})toms. — The  characteristic  symptom  of  diabetes  is  a  most 
remarkable  change  in  the  quality  of  the  urine.  It  becomes  loader 
with  sugar.  It  has  been  found  that  in  true  diabetes  the  urine  ia 
never  without  sugar.  The  most  ready  test  for  sugar  i-n  urine  is 
as  follows:  Invert  a  test-tube,  filled  with  urine,  to  which  a  small 
quantity  of  yeast  has  been  added,  into  a  saucer,  also  containing 


23C  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

uriue;  set  the  mixture  in  a  warm  place,  and,  if  sugar  be  preaent, 
fermentation  will  soon  commence,  and  carbonic  acid  rising  in  the 
tube  will  depress  the  upper  surface  of  the  urine. 

Very  few  experiments  have  ever  been  made  on  the  diabetic 
uriue  of  horses;  but  large  quantities  of  saccharine  matters  have 
lieen  obtained  from  the  diabetic  urine  of  man,  by  a  process  ol 
nvaporation.  Watson  tells  us,  in  his  "  Lectures,"  that  he  haa 
cen  large  flat  cakes  of  beautifully  crystallized  diabetic  sugar. 
'  It  differs  somewhat  from  common  sugar,  the  produce  of  the 
ougar-cane,  and  approaches  more  nearly  to  the  sugar  of  srrapes. 
This  kind  of  sugar,  which  may  also  be  produced  artificially  from 
Etarch,  chemists  have  named  glucose.  By  rapid  evaporation  of 
the  water,  a  thick  syrup  is  produced,  resembling  treacle;  but  Dr. 
Macintyre,  who  has  presented  to  our  hospital  museum  some  very 
fine  specimens  of  this  sugar,  prepared  by  Dr.  Blandford,  iuforma 
me  that  to  get  it  well  crystallized,  the  evaporation  in  a  steam- 
bath  should-  be  stopped  while  the  urine  is  of  thin  consistence.  It 
may  be  quickly  reduced  to  one-half,  perhaps,  of  its  original  quan 
tity;  then  it  should  be  set  aside,  in  shallow  plates,  and  in  the 
course  of  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  the  sugar  will  be  deposited." 

An  animal  the  subject  of  diabetes  is  usually  very  thirsty.  The 
urine  is  light-colored,  almost  transparent.  It  has  not  the  ordi- 
nary odor  of  common  urine,  but  something  like  musty  hay. 

Treatment. — The  indications  in  the  treatment  of  this  affectioL 
are,  to  give  tone  to  the  system  and  sustain  the  general  health.  A 
drachm  or  two  of  the  sulphate  of  iron  may  be  occasionally  mixed 
with  the  oats  (the  latter  must  be  of  the  best  quality),  and  one 
ounce  of  the  fluid  extract  of  buchu  may  be  given  every  night.* 
Good  wholesome  food  and  an  occasional  drink  of  slippery-elm 
tea  are  also  indicated.  Should  the  disea",e  not  yield  to  such  treat- 
ment as  this,  the  case  may  be  considered  incurable. 

Cause. — In  regard  to  the  cause  of  diabetes,  very  little  is  known ; 
but,  to  set  the  matter  right  in  the  minds  of  some  who  believe  that 
Qothing  but  diuretics  and  inferior  provender  excite  it,  I  ofler  the 
following  quotation  from  the  pen  of  the  author  just  named.  I 
think,  however,  that  bad  food  is  most  likely  to  produce  diabete?. 


*  ILe  buchu  is  not  a  direct  diuretic,  like  resin  or  niter;  therefore  it  may  b« 
giren  with  safety.  It  acts  as  a  tcnic  and  sudorific,  and  operates  physiologically 
■■>n  th?  kidneys. 


lilSEASiiS  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  231 

**  It  is  probable  enough  that  the  exciting  cause  of  diabetes  may 
sometimes  lie  in  the  digestive  organs,  as  Mr.  McGregor  supposed. 
The  results  of  his  experiments  do  not  conflict  with  M.  Bernard's. 
Mr.  McGregor,  you  may  remember,  found  sugar  in  the  partly- 
digested  food  brought  up  from  the  stomach  of  a  diabetic  patient. 
He  detected  it  also  in  the  saliva;  and  in  the  feces,  which,  when 
allo^ved  to  dry  spontaneously,  became  covered,  after  the  lapse  of 
some  time,  with  distinct  crystals  of  sugar.  And  yeast  having  been 
administered  to  two  diabetic  patients,  in  ounce  doses,  after  each 
meal,  had  soon  to  be  discontinued,  because  the  patients,  to  use  their 
>wn  expressions,  felt  as  if  they  *  were  on  the  eve  of  being  blown 
up.'  There  being  sugar  in  the  blood,  we  need  not  be  surprised 
that  he  met  with  it  in  the  gastric  and  intestinal  secretions  from 
the  blood.  Dr.  Harley  has  observed  that  by  injecting  irritating 
matters  into  the  portal  vein,  (ammonia,  ether,  chloroform,  alcohol,) 
a  saccharine  condition  of  the  urine  may  be  artificially  produced. 
It  is  conjectured  that  these  substances  act  upon  fibers  of  the  pneu- 
mogastric  nerve,  whence  an  impression  is  transmitted  to  the  nerv- 
ous centers,  and  thence  is  again  reflected  upon  the  liver  through 
the  splanchnic  nerves.  It  is  not  difficult  to  imagine  that  irritat- 
ing substances  may  find  their  way  into  the  portal  blood  through 
a  faulty  digestion,  or  through  the  use  of  certain  kinds  of  food  or 
of  medicine.  Again  :  since  contrived  irritation  of  the  brain  at  the 
origin  of  the  pneuraogastric  nerves  will  make  the  urine  saccharine, 
he  cause  of  diabetes  in  the  human  subject  may  reasonably  be  placed, 
n  some  instances,  within  the  skull ;  and  we  may  understand  how 
injuries  or  diseases  of  the  brain,  or  even  mental  disquiet  and  de- 
jection, operating  through  the  brain,  may  produce  it.  Some  strik- 
ing cas(;s  have  been  published  by  Dr.  Goolden,  in  which  head 
symptoms  were  accompanied  by  saccharine  urine,  and  in  which 
the  diabetic  symptoms  were  checked  or  removed  by  remedies  ad- 
dressed to  the  head  affection — by  blisters  esi)('cially,  and  by  pur- 
gatives. Nay,  we  may  ask  whether  there  may  not,  in  fact,  be  two 
varieties  of  diabetes  mellitus,  in  one  of  which  the  animal  and  in 
the  other  the  vegetable  form  of  sugar  may  be  present  in  the  urine, 
and  whether  the  one  of  these  varieties  may  not  be  more  hopeful 
of  cure  or  recovery  than  the  other.  Bearing  in  mind  the  name 
and  the  distribution  of  the  pneumogastric  nerve,  may  we  not  in- 
dulge the  conjecture  that  disease  or  injury  of  the  brain  near  the 
(y  y\n  of  that  nerve  may  directly  uffect  the  functions  of  the  st<  m- 


232  DADDS  VETERINARY   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

acli;  and  thus  prevent  its  digestive  power,  or  the  functions  of  tha 
luuffs,  and  thus  interfere  with  the  chemical  destruction  of  sugar 
in  those  organs  ?  This  last  notion  might  seem  to  receive  support 
from  the  frequent  association  of  pulmonary  disease  or  disorder  with 
saocliarine  urine." 


RUPTUEE   OF  THE   BLADDER. 

It  h  well  known  that  rupture  of  the  bladder  may  arise  from 
over-disteusion  with  urine ;  yet  it  may  occur  from  other  causes, 
as  the  following  article,  contributed  by  Dr.  C.  ISI.  Wood,  will 
show : 

"September  1. — My  subject  was  a  bay  horse,  seven  years  old,  in 
high  condition ;  that  is,  fat.  On  inquiry,  I  was  informed,  by  the 
man  who  had  the  care  of  him,  that  when  he  entered  the  stable, 
at  four  o'clock,  A.  M.,  he  found  the  horse  rolling  and  tumbling, 
and  in  great  pain.  I  asked.  What  has  the  horse  been  doing  ?  and 
was  answered  that,  having  fallen  into  other  hands,  he  had  done 
little  more  than  merely  exercise  for  the  past  four  months.  O/i 
examination,  the  following  symptoms  were  observed:  The  ani- 
mal was  standing,  with  the  near  fore  extremity  raised  and  extended, 
and  in  the  act  of  pawing,  but  he  did  not  disturb  his  bedding.  He 
would  suddenly  place  one  foot  down  and  raise  the  opposite  one, 
when  he  would  continue  to  paw,  in  like  manner,  for  two  or  three 
minutes.  He  would  then  cease  pawing,  and  extend  himself  in  hia 
stall,  wiih  the  head  elevated,  and  a  fixed  stare,  as  if  in  the  act  of 
urinating.  He  would  then  perhaps  lie  down  at  full  length  in  hia 
stall,  or  throw  his  head  back  upon  his  side,  and  remain  in  this 
position  a  few  minutes ;  would  again  rise  and  commence  pawing, 
as  before.  Wlien  standing,  his  hind  extremities  were  wide  apart. 
His  pulse  was  forty-two;  mouth,  hot,  but  moist;  the  visible  mu- 
eous  surfaces  slightly  injected  ;  his  respiration  little  disturbed  ;  in 
feet,  his  symptoms  were  not  violent.  I  gave  an  antispasmodic 
drench,  and  left  him.  At  eight,  A.  M.,  again  visited  my  patient. 
Found  him  standing,  apparently  relieved,  yet  he  occasionally  man 
ife^ted  slight  symptoms  of  a  kind  of  dull  abdominal  pain.  His 
bowels  being  costive,  I  gave  him  one  ounce  of  cathartic  mass,  one 
drachm  of  calomel,  and  half  a  drachm  of  pulverized  opium,  in  a 
ball.  At  noon  he  was  still  the  same.  Ordered  him  a  bran-maaL, 
which  he  did  not  eat ;  nor  did  he  drink.     Gave  an  enema,  stna 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  233 

nlated  the  abdomen,  and  left  liim.  Six,  P.  M. — He  has  laid  down 
quietly  for  two  hours ;  stands  easy,  but  neither  eats  nor  drinks. 
Nine,  P.  M. — Still  the  same;  lies  down  occasionally.  When 
standing,  paws  considerably.  Has  had  no  evacuation  of  the  bow- 
els or  of  the  urinary  passages  since  the  man  discovered  that  the 
animal  was  sick.  Examined  the  rectum,  but  found  no  feces  therein. 
Gave  half  a  drachm  each  of  Venice  turpentine  and  copaiba,  in  an 
infusion  of  linseed ;  gave  also  an  enema,  and  left  him  for  the  night, 
leaving  a  pail  of  water  in  the  manger  before  him. 

September  2,  six  o'clock,  A.  M. — On  entering  the  stable,  my 
patient  appeared  much  the  same  as  when  I  left  him  the  previous 
evening.  I  inquired  how  he  had  been  during  the  night.  The 
jjToom  informed  me  that  'he  had  remained  easy  until  about  one 
o'clock,  when  he  commenced  pawing,  as  before,  but  without  touch- 
ing his  bedding;  that  he  would  lie  down  for  a  few  minutes  quite 
easy,  when  he  would  throw  himself  at  full  length  in  his  stall,  and 
remain  in  that  position  a  short  time ;  then  rise  up  and  extend 
hJ.mself,  as  if  to  relieve  the  urinary  passages,  but  only  a  few  drops 
dribbled  away,  as  usual.'  As  usual?  said  I.  Have  you  nevei 
observed  any  difficulty  in  his  making  water  before  ?  He  answered 
*  I  have  taken  care  of  this  horse  for  over  two  years,  and  have 
never  seen  him  make  more  tl  an  a  wine-glassful  of  water  at  any 
one  time.  He  passed  a  little  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  Hia 
stall  was  constantly  wet,  but  I  have  never  seen  any  trouble  on 
account  of  it.'  This  statement  was  fully  corroborated  by  several 
ether  persons.  I  now  examined  my  patient  per  rectum,  and  found 
the  bladder  empty.  Upon  introducing  the  catheter  not  a  drop  of 
urine  was  obtained,  nor  even  could  the  odor  of  urine  be  detected 
on  the  catheter.  I  now  concluded  that  he  had  a  ruptured  bladder, 
and  gave  up  all  hopes  of  his  recovery.  However,  from  the  pain 
at  intervals,  and  apparent  relief  of  the  animal  occasionally,  I  di- 
rected my  treatment  to  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  by  giving  oily- 
laxatives,  emollient  enemas,  and  counter-irritation,  in  the  hope, 
not  of  cure,  but  of  palliation,  and  each,  in  turn,  gave  relief  for  a 
short  time.  Nine,  P.  M.— Have  seen  my  patient  several  timea 
duiing  the  day.  His  symptoms  increasing  in  frequency  and  vio- 
lence. Pulse,  sixty-six ;  respiration,  hurried  ;  body  and  extremi- 
ties, still  warm.  He  paws,  rolls,  and  tumbles  violently.  Gave 
an  enema,  which  had  the  effect  to  remove  the  contents  of  the  rec- 
tum, consisting  of  four  or  five  small  pellets  of  feces,  covered  witb 


234  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEKY. 

mucus.  He  nov?,  for  the  first  time,  drank  six  or  seven  swallow* 
of  water,  but  had  no  desire  for  food.  I  ordered  a  pail  of  water 
to  be  placed  before  him,  and  that  a  man  should  watch  him  during 
the  night. 

SepUmhcr  3,  six,  A.  M. — Has  drank  the  water.  Still  paws, 
lies  down,  suddenly  rises,  paws  again,  and  thus  continues.  The 
oody  is  still  warm ;  he  is  not  at  all  violent,  his  pain  being,  as  it 
were,  dull ;  the  abdomen  rapidly  increasing  in  size.  Nine,  P.  M.— 
Have  seen  my  patient  several  times  since  morning.  See  no  pos- 
sible chance  for  recovery.  His  respiration  is  quick  and  laborious ; 
pulse,  seventy-four ;  visible  mucous  surfaces  highly  injected  ;  head 
and  neck  bedewed  with  a  cold,  clammy  perspiration;  tremor  of 
the  fore  extremities ;  still  paws,  but  does  not  lie  down.  He  puts 
his  nose  in  the  bucket,  plays  with  the  water  in  it,  but  does  not 
drink.  Abdomen  appears  to  increase  in  size.  Notwithstanding 
every  means  was  used  for  his  relief,  the  symptoms  continued  tc 
increase  in  severity,  and  he  died  at  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the 
fourth. 

Made  an  examination  thirty-six  hours  after  death,  the  k  ackei 
neglecting  to  remove  the  horse  before.  On  opening  the  abdo- 
men the  following  appearances  were  visible :  A  slight  blush  of 
inflammation  pervaded  the  whole  of  the  intestinal  canal.  Ex- 
treme distention  of  the  caecum  and  colon,  but  their  contents  were 
pultacious.  The  bladder  quite  empty,  and  contracted  at  its  cervix 
into  firm  rugoe ;  in  substance  its  walls  thickened  to  half  an  inch ; 
its  apex  bore  marks  of  ulceration,  with  a  rupture  of  one  and  a  half 
inches  through  its  parieties.  Had  it  not  been  ruptured,  I  think 
the  bladder  could  not  have  been  made  to  contain  more  than  a 
quart ;  and  we  think  this  condition  of  the  organ  is  sufficient  to 
account  for  the  constant  dribbling  spoken  of  by  the  groom.  There 
was  an  accumulation  of  several  gallons  of  fluid  in  the  abdominal 
cavity,  and  the  peritoneum  bore  evident  marks  of  inflammation, 
which,  doubtless,  had  been  rendered  less  solvent  by  the  medicines 
administered.  The  lining  membrane  of  the  bladder  was  clothed 
with  a  kind  of  mucus,  thick,  muddy,  and  of  a  dark  color.  The 
kidneys  were  almost  destitute  of  the  investing  memDrane.  What 
remained  rubbed  off  with  the  slightest  touch.  In  atteni]»ting  to 
remove  then;  from  their  connections,  they  were  torn  with  very 
little  force,  r'hey  were  of  a  brick  red  color,  extremely  soft,  so 
that  they  could  be  squeezed  between  the  fingers  like  a  paste ;  or. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  236 

when  laid  upon  a  board,  they  flattened  like  soft  dough.  Tlie  liver 
was  softened,  or,  as  it  is  generally  called,  rotten.  It  appeared 
pale,  was  of  a  clay  color  externally,  and  could  be  broken  down 
with  the  slightest  pressure.  The  stomach  was  healthy,  and  con- 
tained about  four  quarts  of  fluid.  The  thoracic  viscera  healthy; 
heart,  large  and  firm  ;  lungs,  sound,  but  discolored,  doubtless  :i'aj 
lying  so  l)ng  after  death. 

An  idea  suggests  itself  in  regard  to  the  case  now  under  consid- 
eration: that  the  liver  did  not  properly  prepare  the  blocd  for  the 
secretion  of  the  urine;  hence  the  morbid  condition  of  the  kidneys 
and  bladder.  But,  although  these  organs  are  siiuwu  to  have  been 
exercising  a  diseased  secretory  action,  yet  doubtless  the  primary 
seat  of  the  affection  was  in  the  digestive  apparatus,  the  stomach, 
and  more  particularly  the  liver.  This  question  is  not  only  a  very 
important  one  in  a  })athological  point  of  view,  but  it  is  also  one 
of  peculiar  interest  to  the  practitioner  in  his  treatment  of  disease. 
It  directs  him  to  the  proper  remedies  to  employ,  and  the  action 
of  these  remedies  on  the  organs  affected.  In  the  treatment  of  all 
diseases,  it  is  not  only  necessary  to  understand  the  cause,  but  to 
know  the  organ  or  viscus  affected." 

Albuminous  Urine  ("Thick  Water"). 

This  is  rather  a  rare  disease  among  horses;  yet,  as  it  does  occa- 
sionally occur,  it  may  be  proper  to  take  some  notice  of  it.  Those 
eases  which  have  come  under  the  author's  notice  have  occurred  in 
animals  of  the  scrofulous  diathesis,  most  of  which  animals  had  a 
scurfy  skin,  and  were  otherwise  unthrifty,  just  tlie  subjects  for 
disease  of  the  kidneys;  for  it  is  well  known  that  when  the  excre- 
mentitious  function  of  the  skin  is  interrupted,  the  kidneys  have 
to  perform  double  labor.  Their  function  is  then  overtaxed  ;  henc*', 
disease. 

Albuminous  urine  is  often  associated  with  various  forms  cf  dis- 
ease, or,  rather,  is  the  result  of  disease,  or  may  follow  the  use  of 
improper  medicines  or  bad  food.  Such  are  said  to  be  the  cause 
of  this  malady  (functional)  in  the  human ;  and,  reasoning  from 
analogy,  we  infer  that  the  same  causes  operate  on  the  horse,  for 
all  the  functions  of  his  body  are  carried  on  after  the  same  general 
[ilan  that  obtains  in  tlie  body  of  man. 

Watson  teaches  us  "  tliat  some  articles  of  food,  and  some  medi' 


236  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERI 

cines,  lia  ve  the  effect,  in  some  cases,  of  rendering  the  urine  for  a 
time  albuminous.  Perhaps  it  would  be  more  CGrre'jt  to  say  that 
certain  forms  of  indigestion  may  cause  this  change.  Albumen 
has,  also,  been  detected  after  a  blister  upon  the  skin,  or  under  tha< 
general  state  of  irritation  of  the  skin  called  eczema. rubrum,  which 
is  produced  by  the  use  of  mercury.  In  the  crisis  of  some  febrile 
disorders,  in  some  cases  of  pregnancy,  of  heart  disease,  and  in  epi- 
demic cholera,  the  same  phenomena  has  been  observed.  Whenever 
blood,  proceeding  from  the  long  track  of  mucous  membrane  which 
lines  the  urinary  organs,  mingles  with  the  urine,  that  fluid,  of 
necessity,  contains  a,lbumen,  and  coagulates,  if  tested  by  heat  or  by 
pitric  acid."  There  is  no  albumen  in  healthy  urine;  neither  can 
we  recognize  its  presence  by  mere  inspection.  Horses  often  pasa 
urine  of  a  thick  and  ropy  character,  but  that  does  not  prove  that 
it  is  albuminous.  It  may  be  loaded  with  morbid  or  excrementi- 
tious  matter,  yet  contain  not  a  particle  of  albumen.  Healthv 
urine,  when  recently  discharged,  possesses  the  ordinary  temper- 
ature of  the  body,  is  transparent,  of  a  straw  color,  and  exhalea 
a  peculiar  ammoniacal  odor,  which  it  loses  in  cooling.  About 
ninety-three  parts  in  one  hundred  of  healthy  urine  is  water ;  the 
remainder  are  made  up  chiefly  of  urea,  saline  and  organic  matters. 
Albumen,  being  similar  to  the  white  of  eggs,  passes  from  the  fluid 
to  the  solid  st^te  by  boiling ;  therefore,  in  order  to  detect  albumen 
in  urine,  it  is  only  necessary  to  heat  the  suspected  urine  to  the 
boiling  point,  when  the  albuminous  opacity  becomes  visible. 

A  horse  the  subject  of  albuminous  urine  usually  has  a  strad- 
dling gait;  will  stretch  backward  his  hind  legs;  is  stiflP,  and  makes 
short  turns  with  difficulty.  He  is  usually  thirsty  and  feverish, 
has  a  quick  pulse,  and  the  fences  are  hard  and  dark-colored.  When 
the  disease  is  of  long  standing,  and  the  animal  loses  flesh,  and  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth  appear  pale,  the  probability  is 
that  the  disease  is  organic,  and  the  case  may  be  considered  incura- 
ble. In  such  cases,  the  morbid  appearances  aftei  death  denote 
degeneration,  or  structural  change  in  the  secreting  surface  of  the 
kidneys,  and  in  the  glands  also. 

Treatment. — The  best  remedy  for  the  treatment  of  this  affection 
is  fluid  extract  of  buchu,  two  ounces  per  day.  Green  v<5^table« 
and  cairots  are  also  indicated. 


diseases  of  the  urinary  organs.  237 

Hjematuria  (Bloody  Urene). 

Hamaturia  consists  of  extravasation  of  blood  from  the  urinaij 
organs,  which  is  mixed  with  the  urine,  giving  to  the  latter  a  blood- 
red  tinge.  Small  quantities  of  blood  is  very  often  excreted  from 
the  kidneys,  in  consequence  of  congestion  of  the  renal  blood-ves- 
eels.  The  affection  often  follows  injury  or  sprain  in  the  lumbar 
region,  and  may  occur  in  consequence  of  active  disease,  scattered 
in  either  the  kidneys  or  the  bladder.  Strong  diuretics,  such  as 
turpentine,  juniper  berries,  etc.,  are  operative  in  producing  haema- 
turia.  But  many  cases  are  very  obscure.  Blood  is  sometimes 
voided  with  the  urine  without  any  assignable  cause.  I  have 
known  mares,  when  menstruating,  to  pass  considerable  blood  with 
the  urine,  which  ceased  on  the  termination  of  menstruation. 

Treatment. — The  proper  method  of  treating  this  affection  is  to 
aj)ply  warm-water  dressings  to  the  loins,  and  drench  the  patient 
with  one  ounce  of  fluid  extract  of  matico,  night  and  morning. 
Mucilaginous  drinks  are  also  needed,  which  may  be  coippoeed  o^ 
iLppeiy-elm,  flaxseed,  or  gum  arabic. 


BtlRQIOAL  INSTRUMENTS  USED  IN  VETEEINAEY  PKAOTIO^ 


EiPliASATioK.— Fig,  1,  Hobbles  for  casting;  2,  Probang,  for  the  removal  of  obstmctloi 
•  ithlc  the  oesophagns;  3,  Thnmb  lancet;  4,  Artery  forceps;  5,  Oum  scarificator;  6,  Tnbe  iu«4 
For  Extraction  In  the  teats;  7,  Castrating  knife;  8,  Beak-pointed  scalpel;  9,  Curved  sciasort 
10,  Bntnre-needles ;  11,  Female  catheter;  12,  Parturient  slip-noose;  13,  Parturient  laver;  14,  Km- 
bn^tom/  forcepa,  or  clasiy-books ;  li.  Embryotomy  knife ;  16,  Mouth-gag ;  17,  Trocar;  18,  Oknui* 
U  eoT«r  of  the  trocar ;  19,  20,  Trocar  and  canula  for  puncturing  the  cheat ;  31,  22,  S,  Ttowt  tt 
Ika  Mvaral  part*  of  the  trat'sheotomy  tnbe. 


SECTION  IX. 

SURGICAL    O  P  E  R  A  T I O  X  S  . 

Of  Surgical  Opekations  and  the  VARiors  Restrai>^ts  it  is  sometimes 

NECESSARY  TO  PLACE  THE  HoUSE  UNDER  FOR  THEIR  PERFORMANCE — CaST. 

ING— Slinging — Castration — French  Method  of  Castration— Castra- 
tion BY  Ligature— Lithotomy — Tracheotomy— ffisoPHAGOTOMY — Neu- 
rotomy— Mode  of  Performing  Neurotomy — Periosteotomy— Division 
OF  the  Flexor  Tendons — Amputations — Amputation  of  the  Penis- 
Amputation  of  THE  Tail— Nicking — Firing — Blistering — Ammoniacal 
Blister — Rowelling — Setons — Abstraction  op  Blood,  or  Bleeding- 
Division  OF  THE  Temporal  xiuTEiiY — Bleeding  by  the  Palate — Bleed- 
ing BY  the  Toe — Phlebotomy — Bleeding  by  the  Jugular  Veln. 

Of  Surgical  Operations  and  the  various  restraints  it  is 
sometimes  xecessary  to  place  the  horse  under  fok 
their  performance. 


*'  T  T  fHEN"  it  is  necessary  to  perform  any  painful  operation  on 
V  V  so  powerful  an  animal  as  the  horse,  it  is  of  consequence 
to  subject  him  to  a  restraint  equal  to  the  occasion.  Horses  are 
very  dissimilar  in  their  tempers,  and  bear  pain  very  diflerently  ; 
but  it  is  always  prudent  to  prepare  for  the  worst,  and  few  impor- 
tant operations  should  be  attempted  without  casting.  Humanity 
should  be  the  fundamental  principle  of  every  proceeding,  and  we 
ought  always  to  subject  this  noble  animal  to  pain  with  reluctance  ; 
but  when  circumstances  absolutely  call  for  it,  we  should  joyfully 
close  our  hearts  to  all  necessary  sulfering.  The  resistance  of  the 
horse  is  terrible,  and  it  is  but  common  prudence  to  guard  against 
the  effects  of  it.  The  lesser  restraints  are  various.  Among  them 
may  be  first  noticed  the  twitch.  The  twitch  is  a  very  necessary 
instrument  in  a  stable,  though,  when  frequently  and  ofliciously 
used,  it  may  have  the  ill-effect  of  rendering  some  horses  violent 
to  resist  its  application.     In  many  instances  blindfolding  will  do 

(239) 


240  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

more  than  the  twitch ;  and  some  horses  may  be  quieted,. when  the 
pain  is  not  excessive,  by  holding  the  ear  in  one  hand,  and  rubbing 
the  point  of  the  nose  with  the  other.     A  soothing  manner  will 
often  engage  the  attention  and  prevent  violence;  but  it  is  seldom 
that  either  threats  or  punishment  render  an  unruly  horse  more 
calm.     Inexperienced  persons  guard  themselves  only  against  the 
hind  legs ;  but  they  should  be  aware  that  some  horses  strike  ter- 
ribly with  their  fore-feet.     It  is  prudent,  therefore,  in  all  opera- 
tions, to  blindfold  the  animal,  as,  by  this,  he  becomes  particularly 
intimidated,  and  if  he  strikes  he  can  not  aim.     When  one  of  the 
fore  extremities  requires  a  very  minute  examination,  it  is  prudent 
to  have  the  opposite  leg  held  up  (it  may,  in  some  cases,  be  tied) ; 
and  when  one  of  the  hinder  feet  is  the  object  of  attention,  the  fore 
one  of  the  same  side  should  be  held  up,  as,  by  this  means,  the  ani- 
mal is  commonly  prevented  from  striking.     If  this  precaution  be 
not  taken,  still  observe  to  keep  one  hand  on  the  hock,  while  the 
other  is  employed  in  what  is  necessary,  by  which  means,  if  the 
foot  become  elevated  to  kick,  sufficient  warning  is  given,  and  the 
very  action  of  the  horse  throws  the  operator  away  from  the  sti  oke. 
Without  the  use  of  these  arts,  the  practitioner  will  expose  himself 
to  much  risk.     The  trevis  is  the  very  utmost  limit  of  restraint, 
and  is  seldom  used  save  by  smiths,  to  shoe  veiy  violent  and  power- 
ful horses.     Wlienever  recourse  is  had  to  it,  the  greatest  caution  is 
necessary  to  bed  and  bolster  all  the  parts  that  are  likely  to  come 
in  contact  with  the  body.     On  the  Continent  we  have  seen  horses 
shod  in  this  machine,  and  apparently  put  into  it  from  no  necessity 
greater  than  to  prevent  the  clothes  of  the  smith  from  being  dirtied. 
Horses  have  been  destroyed  by  the  trevis,  as  well  as  by  casting; 
or  their  aversion  to  the  restraint  has  been  such,  they  have  died 
from  the  consequences  of  their  own  resistance.     The  side-line  is 
now  very  generally  used,  not  only  in  minor  operations,  but  also  in 
those  more  important.     Many  veterinarians  do  not  use  any  other 
restraint  than  this,  in  which  they  consider  there  is  safety  both  to 
the  horse  and  to  the  operator.     It  is  applicable  to  such  horses  as 
are  disposed  to  strike  behind,  and  consists  in  placing  a  hobble-strap 
around  the  pastern  of  one  hind  leg,  and  then  carrying  from  a  web 
collar,  passed  over  the  head,  the  end  of  a  rope  through  the  D  of  the 
hobble,  and  back  again  under  the  webbing  round  the  neck.     A 
man  is  then  set  to  pull  at  the  free  end  of  the  rope,  by  wlich  the 
hinder  leg  is  drawn  forward  without  elevating  it  from  tl  e  ground 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  241 

By  this  displacement  of  one  leg  the  horse  is  effectually  secured 
from  kicking  with  either.  Occasionally  it  is  thus  applied :  hobblet 
are  put  on  both  hind  legs,  and  the  rope  is  passed  through  each  of 
the  rings.  According  to  this  last  method,  the  horse  3  actually 
cast,  as  he  must  fall  when  the  ropes  are  pulled.  Take  a  i.ong  rope 
And  tie  a  loop  in  the  middle,  which  is  to  be  of  such  a  size  as  it  may 
aerve  for  a  collar ;  pass  the  loop  over  the  head,  letting  the  knot  reat 
spon  the  withers ;  then  take  the  free  ends,  pass  them  through  the 
nobbles,  and  bring  it  under  the  loop.  Let  two  men  pull  at  the 
ropes,  and  the  hind  legs  will  be  drawn  forward. 

Casting. 

The  objections  to  this  practice  arise  from  the  dangers  incurred 
by  forcing  the  horse  to  the  ground.  Mr.  Bracy  Clark  simplified 
casting  by  inventing  some  patent  hobbles,  having  a  running  chaia 
instead  of  rope,  and  which,  by  a  shifting  D,  made  the  loosening  of 
all  the  hobbles,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  at  a  particular  leg, 
unnecessary.  These  were  still  further  improved  by  Mr.  Budd,  so 
as  to  render  a  release  from  all  the  hobbles  at  once  practicable, 
nobble  leathers  and  ropes  should  be  kept  supple  and  pliant  with 
oil,  and  ought  to  be  always  examined  previous  to  using;  nor  should 
the  D  or  ring  of  the  strap  be  of  any  other  metal  than  iron.  Brass, 
however  thick,  is  brittle,  and  not  to  be  depended  on.  To  the  D 
ring,  or  ring  of  one  pastern  hobble,  a  chain  of  about  four  feet  long 
is  attached ;  to  this  a  strong  rope  is  well  fastened,  and,  according  to 
the  way  the  horse  is  to  be  thrown,  this  hobble  is  to  be  fixed  on  the 
fore-foot  of  the  contrary  side.  The  rope  is  then  passed  from  the 
hobble  on  the  fore-foot  to  the  D  of  the  hind  foot  of  that  side,  thcE 
to  the  other  hind  foot,  and,  lastly,  through  the  D  of  the  other  fore- 
foot. After  this,  much  of  the  ease  and  safety  of  the  throw  depends 
on  bringing  the  legs  as  near  together  as  possible.  This  should  be 
done  by  gradually  moving  them  nearer  to  each  other,  without 
alarming  the  horse,  which  will  very  much  facilitate  the  business, 
wid  is  really  of  more  moment  than  is  generally  imagined.  A  space 
Bufficiently  large  should  be  chosen  for  the  purpose  of  casting,  as 
some  horses  struggle  much,  and  throw  themselves  with  great  vio- 
lence a  considerable  way  to  one  side  or  the  other;  and  they  are 
able  to  do  this  if  the  feet  have  not  been  brought  near  together  pre- 
vious to  attempting  the  cast.  The  place  should  be  also  very  well 
Ifi 


242  DADD'S  VEIERLNARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

litteifci  down.  The  legs  having  been  brought  together,  the  assist- 
ants must  act  in  concert.  One,  particularly,  should  be  at  the  head, 
which  must  be  carefully  held  throughout  by  means  of  a  strong 
snaffle-bridle;  another  should  be  at  the  hind  part,  to  direct  the 
fall,  and  to  force  the  body  of  the  horse  to  the  side  which  is  reqni- 
site.  Pursuing  these  instructions,  the  animal  may  be  at  once  rather 
let  down  than  thrown,  by  a  dexterous  and  quick  drawing  of  the 
.•ope,  the  whole  assistants  acting  in  concert.  The  moment  the 
horse  is  down,  the  person  at  the  head  must  throw  himself  upon 
that  member,  and  keep  it  secure ;  for  all  the  efforts  of  the  animal 
to  disengage  himself  are  begun  by  elevating  the  head  and  fore-parts. 
The  rope  is  tightened.  The  chain  is  fixed  by  inserting  a  hook 
through  one  of  the  links,  of  sufficient  size  not  to  pass  the  hobbles. 
When  the  operation  is  over,  the  screw  which  fastens  the  chain  to 
the  hobble,  first  put  upon  one  fore-leg,  is  withdrawn.  The  chain 
then  flies  through  the  D's  of  the  other  hobbles,  and  all  the  legs 
are  free,  save  the  fore-leg  first  alluded  to ;  Jie  strap  of  this  has  to 
be  afterward  unbuckled.  There  are  also  other  apparatus  used  in 
casting,  as  a  strong  leathern  case  to  pass  over  the  head,  serving  as 
a  blind  when  the  animal  is  being  thrown,  and  as  a  protection 
against  his  rubbing  the  skin  off  his  eyes  when  down.  Then  a  sur- 
cingle is  also  used.  This  is  fastened  round  the  horpe's  body,  am 
from  the  back  hangs  a  broad  strap  and  a  rope.  The  strap  is  fast- 
ened to  the  fore-leg  of  that  side  which  it  is  desired  should  be 
uppermost.  The  line  is  given  to  a  man  who  stands  on  the  oppo- 
site side  to  the  generality  of  the  pullers.  On  the  signal  being 
given,  the  men  having  hold  of  the  hobble-rope  pull  the  legs  one 
way,  while  he  who  has  hold  of  the  rope  attached  to  the  surcingle 
pulls  the  back  in  a  contrary  direction,  and  the  horse  is  immedi- 
ately cast. 

Slinging. 

This  is  a  rsstraint  which  horses  submit  to  with  great  impatience, 
and  not  without  much  inconvenience,  from  the  violent  excoriaticna 
occasioned  by  the  friction  and  pressure  of  the  bandaging  aiound 
his  body.  Graver  evils  are  also  brought  about  by  the  abdominal 
pressure.  Some  horses  stale  and  dung  with  difficulty  when  sus- 
pended, and  inflammation  of  the  bowels  has  not  unfrequently 
come  on  during  slinging.  The  slings  are,  however,  forced  on  m 
in  some  cases,  as  in  fractured  bones,  the  treatment  of  open  joints, 


SURGICAL  0PEKATI0N8.  243 

and  some  other  wounds  where  motion  would  be  most  unfavorable 
to  the  curative  treatment.  Suspension  may  be  partial  or  complete. 
Sa«5pension  of  any  kind  will  require  the  application  of  pulleys  and 
ropes  affixed  to  the  beams,  that  the  whole  body  of  the  horse  may 
be  suj)ported.  A  sling  may  be  formed  of  a  piece  of  strong  sack- 
ing, ^^■hich  is  to  pass  under  the  belly,  the  two  ends  being  fastened 
firmly  to  pieces  of  wood,  each  of  about  three  feet  long,  and  which 
are  to  reach  a  little  higher  than  the  horse's  back.  To  the  pieces 
of  wood  cords  and  pulleys  are  to  be  firmly  attached,  by  which 
mtans  the  sacking  can  be  lowered. or  raised  at  pleasure.  To  the 
sacking,  also,  are  to  be  sewn  strong  straps,  both  before  and  behind, 
to  prevent  the  horse  sliding  in  either  direction,  without  carrying 
the  sacking  with  him.  Upon  this  so-formed  cradle  he  is  to  recline. 
If  horses  when  they  are  fresh  should  be  placed  in  this  machine, 
most  of  them  would  either  injure  themselves  or  break  through  all 
restraint.  However,  by  tying  up  their  heads  for  three  or  four 
nights  their  spirit  is  destroyed.  The  slings  may  then  be  applied 
without  the  fear  of  resistance.  It  is  the  best  method  not  to  pull 
the  canvas  firm  up,  but  to  leave  about  an  inch  between  the  horse's 
belly  and  the  cloth,  so  that  the  animal  may  stand  free,  or  throw 
his  weight  into  the  slings  when  he  pleases.  In  this  fashion  a 
horse  may  remain  for  months  in  the  slings,  and  at  the  end  of  the 
time  display  none  of  the  wear  and  tear  so  feelingly  described  by 
old  authors. 

Castration. 

This  practice  is  of  very  ancient  origin,  and  is  as  extensive  ajj 
ancient.  It  is  founded  on  the  superior  placidity  of  temper  it  gives. 
The  castrated  horse  no  longer  evinces  the  superiorities  of  his  mas- 
culine character,  but  approaches  the  softer  form  and  milder  char- 
acter of  the  mare.  Losing  his  ungovernable  desires,  he  subraita 
to  discipline  and  confinement  without  resistance ;  and,  if  he  be  less 
-worthy  of  the  painter's  delineation  and  the  poet's  song,  he  is  val- 
uable tc  his  possessor  in  a  tenfold  degree.  In  England,  where 
length  in  the  arms  and  of  the  wide-spread  angles  of  the  limbs  is 
absolutely  necessary  in  the  horse  to  accomplish  the  rajiid  traveling 
so  much  in  vogue  among  us,  the  exchange  of  the  lofty  carriage 
and  high  action  of  the  stallion  is  absolutely  necessary  ;  and  when 
we  have  added  the  lessened  tendency  of  the  gelding  to  some  dis- 
easoa,  ^s  heinia,  founder,   cutaneous  affections,  etc.,  we  may  b« 


244  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

oontei  .  to  leave  the  sexual  type  with  the  racer  for  his  breed; 
alao  wiih  the  dray-horse  for  his  weight,  and  the  farrv  of  his 
owner. 

Supposing  it,  therefore,  eligible  to  castrate  our  horses,  what  Js 
the  proper  age  for  the  operation?  What  are  the  relative  advan- 
tages and  disadvantages  of  the  different  methods  of  performinjf 
it?  The  proper  age  to  castrate  the  young  horse  must  depend  ou 
circumstances,  as  on  his  present  appearance,  his  growth,  and  the 
future  purposes  we  intend  him  for,  observing,  generally,  that  the 
more  early  it  is  done,  the  safer  is  the  operation ;  for,  until  these 
organs  begin  to  secrete,  they  are  purely  structural  parts,  and,  as 
giich,  are  not  so  intimately  connected  with  the  sympathies  of  the 
constitution.  Some  breeders  of  horses  castrate  at  twelve  mouthb, 
others  object  to  this  period,  because  they  think  the  animal  hsa 
not  sufficiently  recovered  the  check  experienced  from  weaning 
before  this  new  shock  to  the  system  occurs.  In  the  more  commco 
sort  of  horses,  used  for  agricultural  purposes,  it  is  probably  indiA 
ferent  at  what  time  the  operation  is  performed,  this  consideration 
being  kept  in  view :  that  the  earlier  it  is  done,  the  lighter  will  the 
horse  be  in  his  forehand ;  and  the  longer  it  is  protracted,  the  heav 
ier  will  be  his  crest,  and  the  greater  his  weight  before,  which,  ia 
heavy  draught-work,  is  desirable.  For  carriage-horses  it  would 
be  less  so,  and  the  period  of  two  years  is  not  a  bad  one  for  their 
castration.  The  better  sort  of  saddle-horses  should  be  well  ex- 
amined every  three  or  four  months,  particularly  at  the  ages  of 
twelve,  eighteen,  and  twenty-four  months,  at  either  of  which  times, 
according  to  circumstances  or  to  fancy,  provided  the  forehand  be 
Bufficiently  developed,  it  may  be  proceeded  with.  Waiting  longer 
may  make  the  horse  heavy ;  but,  if  his  neck  appear  too  long  and 
thin,  and  his  shoulders  spare,  he  will  assuredly  be  improved  by 
being  allowed  to  remain  entire  for  six  or  eight  months  later. 
Many  of  the  Yorkshire  breeders  never  cut  till  two  years,  and 
think  their  horses  stronger  and  handsomer  for  it.  Some  wait 
even  longer;  but  the  fear  in  this  case  is,  that  the  stallion  form 
will  be  too  predominant,  and  a  heavy  crest  and  weighty  forehand 
be  the  consequence.  Perhaps,  also,  the  temper  may  suffer.  Young 
colts  require  little  preparation,  provided  they  are  healthy  and  not 
too  full  from  high  living.  If  so,  they  must  be  kept  somewhat 
short  for  a  few  days ;  and,  in  all,  the  choice  of  a  mild  season  aai 
moderate  temperature  is  proper. 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  5.4& 

When  a  full-grown  horse  is  operated  on,  some  further  prepa- 
ration is  necessary.  He  should  not  be  in  a  state  of  debility,  and, 
certainly,  not  in  one  of  plethora.  In  the  latter  case,  lower  his  diet; 
and  it  would  be  prudent  to  give  hira  a  purgative.  It  is  also  ad- 
visable that  it  be  done  when  no  influenza  or  strangles  rage,  as  we 
have  found  the  effects  of  castration  render  a  horse  very  obnoxioua 
to  any  prevalent  disease.  The  advanced  spring  season — })revious, 
however,  to  the  flies  becoming  troublesome — is  the  proper  time  for 
the  performance  of  the  operation  upon  all  valuable  horses ;  and 
be  careful  that  it  be  not  done  until  after  the  winter  coat  has  been 
shed,  which  will  have  a  favorable  effect  on  the  future  coating  of 
the  horse,  independent  of  the  circumstance  that  at  a  period  of 
change  the  constitution  is  not  favorable  to  unusual  excitement. 

Castration  is  performed  in  various  ways,  but  in  all  it  expresses 
the  removal  of  the  testicles.  There  are  methods  of  rendering  the 
animal  impotent  without  the  actual  destruction  of  these  organs; 
for  if,  by  any  other  method,  the  secretion  of  the  spermatic  glands 
is  prevented,  our  end  is  answered. 

Castration  by  cauterization  is  the  method  which  has  been  prin- 
cipally practiced  among  us;  but  this  by  no  means  proves  it  the 
best.  On  the  contrary,  many  of  our  most  expert  vetcrinariana 
do  not  castiate  by  mis  method.  ISIr.  Goodwin,  and  many  other 
practitioners  of  eminence,  never  castrate  by  cautery. 

A  preliminary  observation  should  be  made  previously  to  casting, 
to  see  that  the  horse  is  not  suffering  from  a  rupture.  Such  cases 
have  happened ;  and  as  in  our  method  we  open  a  direct  commu- 
nication with  the  abdomen,  when  the  horse  rises  it  is  not  improb- 
able that  his  bowels  protrude  until  they  trail  on  the  ground. 
Hernia,  as  a  consequence  of  castration,  may  easily  occur  by  the 
uncovered  operation ;  for,  as  already  observed,  it  makes  the  scrotal 
sac  and  abdominal  cavity  one  continuous  opening.  It  is  not  tc 
be  wondered  at,  therefore,  if  the  violent  struggles  of  the  animal 
ehould  force  a  quantity  of  intestine  through  the  rings  into  the 
scDtal  bag.  Should  we  be  called  on  to  operate  on  a  horse  which 
already  had  hernia,  it  is  evident  we  ought  not  to  proceed  with  it 
unless  the  owner  be  apprised  of  the  risk,  and  willing  to  abide  by 
it.  In  such  cases,  we  would  recommend  that  the  method  of  Girard 
be  practiced ;  that  is,  to  inclose  the  tunica  vaginalis  within  the 
clams,  (sufficiently  tight  to  retain  them,  but  not  to  produce  deatt: 
in  the  part,)  pushed  high  up  against  the  abdominal  ring,  and  then 


246  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

V)  remove  the  testicle,  being  very  careful  to  avoid  injuring  any 
portion  of  intestine  in  the  operation.  When  a  discovery  is  made 
cf  the  existence  of  hernia  after  an  opening  has  l)een  already  made 
for  the  common  purpose  of  castration,  should  the  operator  con- 
tinue his  process,  and  castrate?  We  should  say,  By  no  means; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  we  would  greatly  prefer  the  method  recom- 
mended by  Mr.  Percivall :  firmly  to  unite  the  lips  of  the  external 
wound  by  suture,  allowing  the  testicle  itself  to  assist  in  blocking 
up  the  passage,  with  a  hope,  also,  that  the  inflammation  caused  by 
the  incision  might  altogether  stop  up  the  scrotal  communication 
with  the  abdomen.  But,  in  the  appalling  case  of  immense  pro- 
trusion of  intestine,  what  is  to  be  done?  Mr.  Coleman,  in  such 
a  case,  proposes  to  make  an  opening  near  the  umbilicus  large 
enoudi  to  introduce  the  hand,  and  thus  draw  in  the  bowels.  Mr. 
Percivall  would  prefer  dilating  the  external  ring.  But  the  testicle 
must  be  very  firmly  retained,  and  even  permanently  fixed  against 
the  dilated  ring,  or  the  bowels  would  again  descend.  The  intes- 
tines probably  would  become  inflated  in  any  such  case. 

As  unbroken  young  horses  are  the  most  usual  subjects  of  this 
operation,  and  as  such  often  have  not  yet  been  bridled,  if  a  colt 
can  not  be  enticed  with  oats,  etc.,  he  must  be  driven  into  a  corner, 
between  two  steady  horses,  wnere,  if  a  halter  can  not  be  put  on,  at 
least  a  runnhig  hempen  noose  can  be  got  round  his  neck ;  but  which- 
ever is  used,  it  should  be  flat,  or  the  struggles,  which  are  often  long 
and  violent,  may  bruise  the  neck,  and  produce  abscess  or  injury. 
When  his  exertions  have  tired  him,  he  may  then  be  led  to  the 
operating  spot.  Here  his  attention  should  be  engaged  while  the 
hobbles  are  put  on,  if  possible ;  if  not,  a  long  and  strong  cart-rope, 
having  its  middle  portion  formed  into  a  noose  sufficiently  large  to 
take  in  the  head  and  neck,  is  to  be  slipped  on,  with  the  knotted 
part  applied  to  the  counter  or  breast.  The  long  pendent  ends  are 
passed  backward  between  the  fore-legs;  then  carried  round  the 
liind  fetlocks,  brought  forward  again  on  the  outside,  run  undei 
tnc  collar-rope ;  a  second  time  carried  backward  on  the  outer  sidy 
of  all,  and  extended  to  the  full  length  in  a  direct  line  behind  the 
animal.  Thus  fettered,  Mr.  Percivall  says  his  hind  feet  may  be 
draAvn  under  him  toward  the  elbows.  It  has  been,  howcN  er,  often 
found  that,  at  the  moment  the  rope  touches  the  legs,  the  colt  either 
kickf  and  displaces  the  rope,  or  altogether  displaces  himself;  l»ut 
Wis  attention  can  generally  be  engaged  by  one  fore-leg  being  held 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  247 

np,  or  by  having  his  ear  or  muzzle  rubbed,  or  even  by  the  twitch ; 
if  not,  the  rope  may  be  carried  actually  round  each  fetl  ock,  which 
then  acts  like  a  hobble,  and  this  rope  may  be  gradually  tiirlit- 
eued.  This  last,  however,  is  a  very  questionable  method,  and  the 
others,  therefore,  ought  to  be  long  tried  before  it  is  rcsoi-tcd  to. 
In  this  way  people  have  succeeded  with  very  refractory  colts ;  but 
it  requires  very  able  assistants,  and,  if  possible,  the  man  who  has 
been  used  to  the  individual  colt  should  be  present.  In  either  way, 
as  soon  as  the  rope  is  fixed,  with  a  man  at  each  end  of  it,  behind 
the  colt,  let  them,  by  a  sudden  and  forcible  effort  in  concert,  ap- 
proximate his  hind  legs  to  his  fore,  and  thus  throw  him.  Before 
the  colt  is  cast,  however,  it  should  be  endeavored  to  ascertaiii  that 
he  is  free  from  strangles  and  hernia. 

Being  satisfied  that  no  hernia  exists  on  either  side,  proceed  fr 
east  the  colt,  turning  him,  not  directly  on  the  left  side,  but  prin- 
cipally inclining  that  way ;  and,  if  possible,  let  the  croup  be  very 
slightly  elevated.  It  is  usual  to  place  him  directly  flat  on  the  left 
side,  but  the  above  is  more  convenient.  Next,  secure  the  near 
hind  leg  with  a  piece  of  hempen  tackle,  having  a  running  noose, 
or,  in  default  of  this  not  being  at  hand,  make  use  of  the  flat  part 
of  a  hempen  halter,  which  should,  for  safety,  be  put  on  before  the 
hobble  of  that  leg  is  removed — as  may  be  readily  done,  if  the 
hobbles  having  shifting  or  screw  D's  (as  described  in  casting)  are 
made  use  of.  Every  requisite  being  at  hand,  the  operator,  having 
his  scaljjel  ready,  should  j^lace  himself  behind  the  horse,  as  the 
most  convenient  way  to  perform  his  manipulations;  and,  firmly 
grasping  the  left  testicle  with  his  left  hand,  and  drawing  it  out  so 
as  to  render  the  scrotum  tense,  he  should  make  an  incision  length- 
ways, from  the  anterior  to  the  posterior  part  of  the  bag.  The 
reiiistance  of  the  cremaster  muscle  has  tc  be  overcome  before  the 
leslicle  can  be  forced  to  the  bottom  of  the  scrotum,  and  this  is  the 
more  readily  accomplished  if  the  animal's  attention  be  engage!. 
The  incision  may  be  carried  at  once  through  the  integuments,  the 
thin  dartos  expansion,  and  the  vaginal  coat  of  the  testicles  with 
a  sweo])  of  the  scalpol ;  but  with  one  less  dextrous  at  the  opera- 
tion, it  will  be  more  prudent  to  make  the  first  incision  through 
tiie  scrotum  and  dartos  only,  to  the  required  extent,  and  then  to 
do  the  same  by  the  vaginal  coat,  thus  avoiding  to  wound  the  tea- 
ticl*^,  which  would  produce  violent  resistance,  and  give  unneces- 
■ary  pain. 


248  DADD'3  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

We,  however,  take  this  opportunity  of  noting  that  cases  ljav« 
occurred  when  the  tunica  vaginalis  was  divided  no  testicle  fol- 
lowed, firm  adhesions  between  this  tunic  and  the  tunica  albuginea 
having  retained  it  fast.  In  such  cases  the  scalpel  must  be  em- 
ployed to  free  tlie  testicle,  by  dissecting  it  away  from  the  vaginal 
Kic.  When  no  such  obstruction  occurs,  the  testicle,  if  the  opening 
be  sufficiently  large,  will  slip  out;  but  the  operator  nmst  be  pre- 
pared, at  the  moment  of  so  doing,  to  expect  some  violent  struggles, 
more  particularly  if  he  attempt  to  restrain  the  contractions  of  the 
creraaster,  and,  by  main  force,  to  draw  out  the  testicle.  Prepara- 
tory to  this,  therefore,  the  twitch  should  be  tightened ;  the  attend- 
ants, especially  the  man  at  the  head,  must  be  on  the  alert ;  and 
the  testicle  itself,  at  the  time  of  this  violent  retraction  of  the  cre- 
luaster,  should  be  merely  held,  but  not  dragged  in  opposition  to 
the  contraction.  If  the  clams  have  been  put  on  over  the  whole, 
according  to  Mr.  Percivall's  method,  they  will  assist  in  retaiuing 
the  retracting  parts ;  but  they  must  not  be  used  with  too  much 
pressure.  The  resistance  having  subsided,  the  clams  must  now 
be  removed ;  or,  if  they  have  not  been  previf  usly  in  use,  they 
must  now  be  taken  in  hand,  and,  having  been  prepared  by  some 
tow  being  wound  around  them,  should  be  placed  easily  on  the  cord, 
while  time  is  found  to  free  from  the  grip  of  the  pincers  the  va.s  def- 
erens, or  spermatic  tube,  which  is  seen  continued  from  the  epididy- 
mis. The  Russians,  Mr.  Goodwin  informs  us,  cut  it  through  whec 
they  operate.  Humanity  is  much  concerned  in  its  removal  fi-ora 
pressure,  because  of  the  excess  of  j^ain  felt  when  it  is  included. 

It  is  necessary,  before  the  final  fixing  of  the  clams,  to  deter- 
mine on  the  part  where  the  division  of  the  cord  is  to  take  place. 
To  use  Mr.  Percivall's  words,  '  if  it  be  left  too  long,  it  is  apt  to 
hang  out  of  the  wound  afterward,  and  retard  the  process  of  union.' 
On  the  other  hand,  if  it  be  cut  very  short,  and  the  arteries  hap- 
pen to  bleed  afresh  after  it  has  been  released  from  the  clams,  the 
operator  will  find  it  no  easy  task  to  recover  it.  The  natural 
length  of  the  cord,  which  will  mainly  depend  on  the  degree  of 
the  descent  of  the  gland,  will  be  our  best  guide  in  this  particular. 
The  place  of  section  determined  on  and  marked,  close  tlie  clama 
sufficiently  tight  to  retain  firm  hold  of  the  cord,  and  to  etl'cctually 
stop  the  circulation  within  it.  There  are  now  two  njodes  of 
making  the  division :  the  one  is  to  sever  it  with  a  scalpel,  and  then 
to  sufficiently  sear  the  end  of  it  as  to  prevent  a  flow  of  blood ;  the 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  249 

Other,  and  in  some  respects  the  preferable  method,  is  to  employ  a 
blunt-edged  iron,  which  is  to  divide  by  little  crucial  sawings,  so 
that,  when  the  cord  is  separated,  it  shall  not  present  a  uniform 
eurfaoi,  but  ragged  edges,  which  will  perfectly  close  the  mouths 
of  the  vessels.  This  done,  loosen  the  clams  sufficiently  to  observe 
whether  there  be  any  flow  of  blood.  Gently  wipe  the  end  of  the 
cord,  also,  with  the  finger,  as  sometimes  an  accidental  small  plug 
gets  within  the  vessel;  this  had  better  be  removed  at  the  time. 
Retain  a  hold  on  the  clams  a  few  minutes  longer;  and,  while 
loosening  them  gradually,  observe  to  have  an  iron  in  readiness 
again  to  touch  the  end  of  the  cord,  if  any  blood  makes  its  appear- 
ance. Satisfied  on  this  point,  sponge  the  parts  with  cold  water. 
No  sort  of  external  application  is  necessary,  still  less  any  resin 
seared  on  the  end  of  the  cord,  which  can  only  irritate,  and  will 
never  adhere. 

On  the  after-treatment  much  difference  of  opinion  has  existed, 
and  even  yet  exists.  The  powerful  evidence  of  accumulated  facta 
has  now  convinced  us  of  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  some  mo* 
tion  for  the  newly  castrated  horse,  as  a  preventive  of  local  con* 
gestion.  Such  practice  is  common  in  most  countries,  and  seemi 
salutary  in  all.  Hurtrel  d'Arboval,  thus  impressed,  recommend* 
the  horse,  immediately  af*er  the  operation,  to  be  led  out  to  walk 
for  an  hour ;  and  it  is  a  general  plan  in  France  to  walk  such  horses 
in  hand  an  hour  night  and  morning.  Mr.  Goodwin,  in  proof  of  its 
not  being  hurtful,  informs  us  that  whole  studs  of  horses,  brought 
to  St.  Petersburg  to  be  operated  on,  are  immediately  traveled 
back  a  certain  poriion  of  the  distance,  night  and  morning,  until 
they  arrive  at  home.  We  have,  therefore,  no  hesitation  in  recom- 
mending a  moderate  degree  of  motion  in  preference  to  absolute 
rest. 

The  French  method  of  castration  is  advocated  by  Mr.  Goodwin, 
and  it  is  sufficient  that  it  receives  his  recommendation  to  entitle 
it  to  attention.  It  is  rendered  the  more  so,  as  he  observes,  on 
the  method  in  general  use  among  us,  'that  the  operation  per- 
formed by  the  actual  cautery  always  induces,  more  or  less,  symp- 
toms that  often  become  alarming,  and  that  it  can  not  be  ]>erformed 
on  the  adult  without  incurring  more  swelling  and  seveier  couae- 
quences  than  attend  other  methods  of  operation.  If  I  ever  use 
the  actual  cautery,  it  is  for  the  sake  of  expedition,  and  then  only 
on  a  yearling  or  a  two-year  old ;  but  I  am  resolved  never  to  ero- 


^bi)  DADDS  A  ETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERl. 

ploy  it  again  on  an  adult.'    These  observations,  as  emanating  f'  am 
Bucb  a  source,  must  be  deemed  important. 

Mr.  Goodwin  then  offers  the  description  of  the  French  method 
of  operating,  from  Hurtrel  d'Arboval :  '  Castration  by  means  of 
the  clams  is  the  method  in  general  use,  if  not  the  only  one  now 
employed.  It  is  the  most  ancient,  since  it  was  recommended  by 
Ilieroclius  among  the  Greeks.  It  is  performed  in  two  ways,  the 
testicle  being  covered  or  uncovered.  In  the  former,  the  exterior 
of  the  scrotum,  formed  by  the  skin  and  dartos  muscle,  is  cut 
through,  and  the  testicle  is  brought  out  by  dissecting  away  the 
laminated  tissue,  the  gland  being  covered  by  the  tunica  vaginalis. 
The  clam  is  then  placed  above  the  epididymis,  outside  the  external 
peritoneal  covering  of  the  cord.  In  the  uncovered  operation,  the 
incision  is  made  through  the  servus  capsule  of  the  testick .  The 
tunica  vaginalis  being  divided,  the  testicle  presents  itself,  and  the 
clam  is  placed  well  above  the  epididymis,  on  the  cord.  The  ope- 
ration, performed  in  either  way,  requires  us  to  provide  ourselves 
with  a  scalpel,  a  pair  of  clams,  a  pair  of  long  pincers,  made  pur- 
posely to  bring  the  ends  of  the  clams  together,  and  some  waxed 
string.  The  clams  may  be  formed  of  different  kinds  of  wood,  but 
the  alder  is  considered  the  best,  and  generally  made  use  of.  To 
make  a  clam,  we  procure  a  branch  of  old  and  dry  alder,  whose 
diameter  should  be  about  an  inch,  and  wdiose  length  should  be 
from  five  to  six  inches;  of  course,  the  dimensions  must,  at  all 
times,  be  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  cord  we  have  to  operate 
on.  At  the  distance  of  half  an  inch  from  each  end,  a  small  nick, 
sufficiently  deep  to  hold  the  string,  must  be  made,  and  then  the 
wood  should  be  saw^ed  through  the  middle  lengthways.  Each 
divided  surface  should  be  planed,  so  as  to  facilitate  the  opening 
of  the  clams,  either  when  about  to  place  them  on  or  take  thero 
off.  The  pith  of  the  wood  is  then  to  be  taken  out,  and  the  hollow 
should  be  filled  with  corrosive  sublimate  and  flour,  mixed  with 
sufficien  wa+er  to  form  it  into  a  paste.  Some  persons  are  not  in 
the  habit  of  using  any  caustic  whatever;  then,  of  course,  scooping 
out  of  the  inside  of  the  clam  is  not  necessary.  Notwithstanding, 
the  caustic,  inasmuch  as  it  produces  a  speedier  dissolution  of  the 
parts,  must  be  useful,  and  ought  not  to  be  neglected.'  The  addi- 
tion of  the  caustic,  however,  Mr.  Goodwin  objects  to,  with  great 
reason,  remarking  that,  unless  it  be  a  very  strong  one,  and  there- 
fore dangerous  *n  employ,  it  can  not  be  of  any  use  to  parts  com- 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  25j 

pressed  and  deprived  of  circulation  and  life.  He  further  informs 
ns  that  he  has  operated  in  six  cases  in  succession  with  tl  e  same 
effect,  without  any  escharotic  matter  whatever.  An  experimental 
case  of  Mr.*  Percivall's  terminated  fatally.  By  the  use  of  caustic 
the  cord  was  greatly  inflamed,  as  high  as  the  ring,  and  which, 
unquestionably,  produced  the  unfortunate  result. 

*  The  covered  operation,'  continues  Mr.  Goodwin,  *  is  the  ouc 
that  lam  about  to  advocate,  and  which  differs  only  insomuch  that 
the  scrotum  and  dartos  muscle  must  be  cautiously  cut  through, 
irithout  dividing  the  tunica  vaginalis.  It  was  Monsieur  Berger 
who  was  accidentally  at  my  house  when  I  was  about  to  castrate  a 
horse,  and  who,  on  my  saying  that  I  should  probably  do  it  with 
the  cautery,  expressed  his  surprise  that  I  should  perform  the  oper- 
ation in  any  other  way  than  on  the  plan  generally  ajiproved  of 
m  France.  Being  a  stranger  to  it,  he  kindly  consented  to  preside 
at  the  operation,  and,  after  seeing  him  perform  on  the  near  tei?- 
ticle,  I  did  the  same  on  the  right,  but,  of  course,  not  with  the  same 
facility.  After  opening  the  scrotum,  and  dissecting  through  the 
dartos,  which  is  very  readily  done  by  passing  the  knife  lightly  over 
its  fibers,  the  testicle  and  its  covering,  the  tunica  vaginalis,  nmst 
be  taken  in  the  right  liand,  while  the  left  should  be  employed  in 
pushing  back  the  scrotum  from  its  attachments ;  and,  having  your 
assistant  ready,  as  before,  with  the  clam,  it  must  be  placed  well 
above  the  epididymis,  and  greater  pressure  is,  of  course,  necessary, 
as  the  vaginal  covering  is  included  in  the  clam.' 

Mr.  Goodwin  further  observes  that  in  Russia  he  has  seen  hun- 
dreds of  horses  operated  on,  even  after  the  human  fashion,  with 
safety;  and,  he  remarks,  it  certainly  produces  less  jiain,  the  animal 
loses  less  flesh  and  condition,  and  is  sooner  recovered  than  when 
operated  on  by  the  actual  cautery. 

Castration  by  ligature  is  a  painful,  barbarous,  and  very  danger- 
ous practice,  and  consists  in  inclosing  the  testicles  and  scrotum 
within  ligatures,  until  mortification  occurs,  and  they  drop  off.  It 
ia  practiced  by  some  breeders  on  their  young  colts,  but  it  is  always 
hazardous  and  disgracefully  cruel.  The  substance  of  the  testicle, 
in  some  countries,  is  also  broken  down,  either  by  rubbing  or  other' 
wise  by  pressure  between  two  hard  bodies.  This  is  j)racticed  in 
Algiers,  instead  of  excision,  and  tetanus  is  a  frequent  consequenor 
of  it.  In  Portugal  they  twist  round  the  testicle,  and  thus  stop  the 
dtrnlation  of  the  gland.     Division  of  the  vas  deferens  has  l.wn 


^52  I) ADDS   VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

performed,  it  is  said,  with  success,  on  many  animals,  and  is  pro 
posed  as  a  safe  and  less  painful  process  than  the  emasculation  of 
the  horse.  I't  consists  in  a  longitudinal  section  through  the  scro- 
tum, dartos,  and  vaginal  sheath,  so  as  to  expose  the  cord,  from 
which  the  vas  deferens  is  to  be  separated  and  severed  from  the 
artery  and  vein.  There  is  a  certain  consent  of  parts,  by  which 
the  sympathy  of  an  organ  remains  after  its  functional  offices  are 
apparently  destroyed.  There  can  be  little  doubt  but  the  nervoiia 
excitement  would  continue,  the  vein  and  artery  remaining  entire. 
There  are  certain  nice  conditions  of  the  organ  necessary  for  prop- 
agation. Thus,  the  horse  who  retains  his  testicles  within  his  abdo- 
men, possesses  all  the  roguish  qualities  of  him  with  one  perfectly 
evolved ;  he  is  lustful,  and  can  cover,  but  is  seldom  fruitful. 

Of  the  morbid  consequences  of  castration  we  have  little  to  say. 
By  early  evacuations,  green  food,  a  loose  box,  a  cool  air,  moderate 
clothing,  but,  particularly,  by  walking  exercise,  swellings  of  the 
parts  may  be  prevented ;  if  not,  bleed  and  foment.  Should  sup- 
puration follow,  and  sinuses  form,  treat  as  directed  under  those 
heads ;  and  if  tetanic  symptoms  start  up,  refer  to  that  article. 
There  has  been  lately  practiced  in  India  a  novel  mode  of  castra- 
tion, which  is  ssid  to  be  the  invention  of  a  Roer,  settled  at  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  cord  is  exposed  in  the  usual  manner. 
From  the  cord  the  artery  is  singled  out.  This  vessel  is  scraped 
through  with  a  coarse-edged,  blunt  knife,  when  the  other  constitu- 
tents  of  the  cord  are  cut  away,  and  the  operation  is  finished.  This 
method  is  much  praised  by  those  who  have  adopted  it,  and  is  said 
to  be  always  attended  with  success. 

Lithotomy. 

Rurtrel  d'Arboval's  account  of  the  progress  of  lithotomy  in  vet- 
erinary practice  commences  in  1774;  the  second  case  was  suoceas- 
fiilly  operated  on  in  1794;  and  at  later  periods  other  veterinary 
surgeons  have  also  performed  it.  In  monodactyles  there  are  two 
methods  of  operating  for  the  stone — one  through  the  rectum,  the 
other  through  the  bladder.  The  first,  which  consists  in  laying 
open  the  bladder  by  a  longitudinal  incision  made  through  the 
parietes  of  the  part  of  the  rectum  adherent  to  it,  by  means  of  a 
straight  bistourj',  is  easily  practiced,  but  in  its  consequences  is 
dangerous  in  the  extreme  ;  in  fact,  it  is  an  operation  never  to  h« 


8UUUICAL  OPERATIONS.  2M 

adopted  but  in  a  case  where  the  magnitude  of  the  stone  precludes 
its  extraction  through  the  neck  of  the  bladder.  In  ill  other  cases, 
lithotomy  by  the  urethra  is  to  be  pursued.  For  .ts  performance 
are  required  a  straight  probe-pointed  bistoury,  a  whalebone  fluted 
staff,  ftnd  a  pair  of  forceps,  curved  at  the  extremities.  The  ani- 
mal fchould,  if  practicable,  be  maintained  in  the  erect  posture. 
The  tail  plaited  and  carried  round  on  the  right  quarter,  the  opera- 
tor foek  for  the  end  of  the  staff  introduced  up  the  urethra,  and 
makes  an  incision  directly  upon  it,  from  above  downward,  an  inch 
and  a  half  or  two  inches  in  length.  Next,  he  introduces  the  sound, 
and  passes  it  onward  into  the  bladder.  Now,  placing  the  back  of 
the  bistoury  within  the  groove  of  the  sound,  by  gliding  the  knife 
forward,  the  pelvic  portion  of  the  urethra,  and  also  the  neck  of  the 
bladder,  becomes  slit  open — the  latter  in  two  places,  in  consequence 
of  a  second  cut  being  made  in  withdrawing  the  bistoury.  The 
opening  made  being  considered  of  sufficient  dimensions,  the  oper- 
ator introduces  the  forceps  into  the  bladder,  and  seizes  the  calculus, 
one  hand  being  up  the  rectum,  to  aid  him  in  so  doing.  The  for- 
ceps, clasping  the  stone,  are  now  to  be  withdrawn,  but  with  gen- 
tleness, and  with  a  vacillating  sort  of  movement  of  the  hand 
from  side  to  side,  in  order  more  easily  to  supr.iount  any  difficultiei 
in  the  passage,  and  the  more  effectually  to  avoid  confusion  or 
laceration.  ^I.  Girard  tells  us  *  that  the  cut  through  the  pelvic 
portion  of  the  urethra  ought  always  to  be  made  obliquely  to  one 
eide.  The  operator  should  hold  his  bistoury  in  such  a  direction 
that  its  cutting  edge  be  turned  toward  the  angle  of  the  thigh.  By 
this  procedure  we  shall  gain  easier  access  to  the  bladder,  and  not 
only  avoid  wounding  the  rectum,  but  also  the  artery  of  the  bulb, 
ts  well  as  the  bulb  itself,  and  suspensory  ligaments  of  the  penis. 
The  parts  cut  through  in  the  operation  are,  1st,  the  fine  thin 
skin  of  the  perineum,  smooth  externally,  and  marked  with  a 
raphe  ;  densely  cellular  internally  ;  2d,  adhering  to  the  tissue,  tho 
fascial  covering,  derived  from  the  fascia  sujierficialis  abdominis, 
which  his  here  become  fibrous,  it  forms  the  common  envelope  to 
the  parts  underneath,  and  is  closely  connected  with  the  corpus 
musculosum  urethrae ;  3d,  the  corpus  musculosum  urethra?,  that 
penniform  band  of  fleshy  fibers  which  springs  by  two  branches 
from  tlie  ischiatic  tuberosities  embracing  the  sphincter  ani,  and 
C5onceaHng  the  arteries  of  the  bulb,  whence  they  unite,  and  pro- 
ceed to  envelop  the  urethra  ;  4th,  the  corpus  spongiosum  urethrae, 


254  DADD'fe  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

the  part  immediately  covered  by  the  muscular  envelope,  and  whick 
here  is  bulbous  (it  is  more  particularly  worthy  our  remark,  froD 
two  arteries  penetrating  the  bulb,  which  come  from  without  th> 
pelvis,  ascending  obliquely  outward  to  reach  the  part) ;  5tli,  th» 
suspensory  ligaments  of  the  penis,  pursuing  the  course  of,  and  ad 
herins:  to,  the  tendinous  union  of  the  eiectores.  An  attention  tc 
the  relative  position  of  these  parts  will  demonstrate  the  advantaga 
-.f  the  lateral  oblique  incision  over  one  made  directly  along  thi 
raphe.  By  pursuing  the  latter,  we  necessarily  cut  through  th: 
suspensory  ligaments  and  into  the  bulb,  wounding  thereby  tht 
arteries ;  whereas,  by  the  former,  all  this  danger  is  avoided,  beside 
that  it  renders  the  operation  more  simple  and  facile. 

Tracheotomy  (Cutting  into  the  Windpipe). 

Cases  occur  when  this  operation  is  required,  as  in  strangles, 
when  the  tumors  threaten  suifocation,  or  when  any  substance  haa 
remained  unswallowed  in  the  oesophagus,  the  pressure  of  which 
obstructs  respiration.  In  a  distressing  case  of  gunpowder  burstr- 
ing  immediately  under  a  horse's  nose,  the  effects  of  which  tumefied 
his  mouth  and  nostrils,  so  as  to  prevent  free  inspiration,  the  ani- 
mal owed  his  life  entirely  to  our  excising  a  portion  from  the 
tracheal  rings,  about  ten  inches  below  the  angle  of  the  throat. 
The  operation  is  a  very  simple  one,  and  may  consist  either  in  a 
longitudinal  section  made  through  two  or  three  of  the  rings,  or  a 
portion,  occupying  about  an  inch  round,  may  be  excised  from  the 
anterior  cartilaginous  substance.  The  proper  mode,  when  it  can 
be  done,  however,  is  to  make  a  circular  opening  with  a  very  nar- 
row knife,  removing  a  portion  of  two  cartilages,  or  taking  a  semi- 
circular piece  from  each;  and  this  last,  although  it  is  seldom 
performed,  is  by  far  the  best  method.  The  integuments  sliould 
be  first  divided  in  the  exact  center  of  the  neck,  three  or  four  inches 
below  the  obstruction ;  then  the  skin  and  tissues  should  be  suffi- 
ciently separated  to  allow  a  tube  adapted  to  the  size  of  the  trachea 
to  be  introduced,  the  tube  having  an  acute  turn  and  a  rim,  which 
must  be  furnished  with  holes  for  the  adaptation  of  tapes,  to  secure 
it  around  the  neck.  There  are  several  instruments  of  this  sort  in 
use,  of  which  that  adopted  by  the  French,  or  the  one  invented 
by  Mr.  Go  wing,  of  Camden  Town,  is  to  be  preferred.  The  oper- 
Blion  has  been  also  j^erformed  in  cases  of  roaring,  under  an  idea 


SURGICAL  OPKRATIONS.  255 

of  dividing  tlie  stricture  which  impeded  lespiration  ;  but,  unless 
the  exact  situation  of  this  were  discovered,  it  would  be  but  an  ex- 
perimental attempt. 

CEsoPHAGOTo^rY  (Opening  the  Gullet). 

It  was  long  thought  that  a  wound  in  the  oesophagus  must  b« 
necessarily  fatal,  but  we  have  now  sufficient  proofe  to  the  coutraiy 
on  record,  so  iiiatwe  are  not  deterred  from  cut;  ng  into  the  oeso})ha- 
geal  tube  when  it  is  necessary;  but  it  is  an  operation  requiring 
skill  and  anatomical  knowledge,  and  its  future  results  are  some- 
times very  serious.  The  cases  that  call  for  oesophagotomy  are  the 
lodgment  of  accidental  substances  within  the  tube.  An  ajijile 
once  so  lodged  was  removed  by  incision  by  a  veterinary  surgeon 
at  Windsor.  Carrots,  parsnips,  beets,  etc.,  are  liable  to  produce 
such  obstruction  when  not  sliced.  Too  large  a  medicinal  mass, 
also,  has  lodged  there ;  and  a  voracious  eater  has,  by  attempting 
to  swallow  too  large  a  quantity  of  not  salivated  bran  or  chaff,  i)ro- 
duced  an  obstruction,  which  pressed  on  the  trachea  and  threatened 
suffocation.  In  all  cases  of  obstruction  of  this  kind,  we  will  sup 
pose  that  a  probang,  well  oiled,  has  been  previously  attem])ted  to 
be  pjissed,  and  has  com])letely  failed.  The  probang  for  the  horsrs, 
however,  differs  materially  from  that  used  for  the  cow.  It  is 
formed  after  the  fashion  of  the  one  adopted  by  the  human  prac- 
titioner, consisting  of  a  ]>liable  ])iece  of  Avhaleboue,  having  a  sponge 
tied  to  one  end.  I'he  operation  being  determined  on,  may  l)e 
practiced  standing.  If  the  swelling  be  large,  no  fear  nee-J  he  en- 
t<'rtained  about  cutting  important  organs,  as  the  enlargement  will 
push  them  on  one  side.  Cut  down,  therefore,  directly  uj)on  the 
center  of  the  impacted  substance.  If  the.  horse  be  cast,  which  is 
quite  unnecessary,  have  him,  of  course,  thrown  with  his  left  side 
uppermost.  It  will  also  be  necessary  to  command  a  good  light. 
The  part  of  the  neck  chosen  for  the  opening  must,  of  course,  be 
governed  l)y  the  obstructing  mass.  A  section  should  be  made 
through  the  integuments  and  cellular  tissue  beneath  them,  right 
into  the  oesophagus,  if  possible,  with  one  cut,  and  into  the  centei 
of  the  pipe.  If  this  bu  not  done  at  once,  and  it  requires  soma 
dexterity  so  as  to  effect  it,  mind  to  make  all  future  incisions  in  a 
line  with  the  first  opening,  as  it  is  important  that  the  cellular  tis- 
sue should  be  little  interfered  with.  The  oesophagus,  fairly  cut 
into  the  im]>actment,  should  jump  forth.     Should  it  not  do  «o,  do 


2'o5  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

n  jt  manipulate,  or  attempt  to  force  it  out,  but  enlarge  the  opening, 
and  the  substance  will  come  through  when  that  is  long  enough  j 
but  no  fingering  could  compel  its  exit  while  the  opening  13  too 
small.  The  end  gained  for  which  the  incision  was  made  in  the 
oesophagus,  the  wound  may  be  then  closed  by  the  interrupted  su- 
tures, each  holding  a  small  piece  of  tow  above  the  orifice,  and 
having  their  ends  hanging  out  of  the  external  opening,  which 
should  also  be  brought  together  by  sutures.  The  after-treatment 
should  be  to  interdict  all  dry  food ;  the  animal  ought  to  subsist 
on  very  thick  gruel  for  three,  four,  or  five  days.  If  the  condition 
appears  to  suifer  much,  allow  malt  mashes,  and  when  so  doing 
watch  the  wound  ;  and  if  the  matters  taken  in  are  seen  to  ooze  out, 
wash  them  away  frequently  with  warm  water,  to  prevent  lodg- 
ment, which  might  encourage  sinuses  to  form;  and  after  each 
washing,  syringe  with  some  very  mild  stimulant,  as  a  very  weak 
solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc  (white  vitriol),  etc. 

Neueotomy  (Division  of  the  Sentient  Nerves  op 
THE  Foot). 

Neurotomy  has  now  stood  the  test  of  very  extensive  application. 
Our  writers  offer  innumerable  proofs  of  its  restoring  almost  useless 
animals  to  a  state  of  much  utility ;  and  if  there  are  chances  that 
it  may  occasion  such  injury  as  to  hasten  the  end  of  pome  horses, 
it  is  usually  in  such  as  the  disease  would  have  done  the  same  for 
at  no  distant  period.  Having  stated  thus  much  in  its  favor,  it 
must  not  be  supposed  that  we  recommend  it  as  an  unqualified 
benefit,  even  where  it  succeeds  best.  No  neurotomized  horse  ever 
after  goes  with  the  same  freedom,  nor  with  equal  safety,  as  he  did 
befors  the  operation  was  performed.  Indifference  to  the  nature 
of  the  ground  gone  over  is  said  to  have  fractured  legs ;  it  is  quite 
common  to  batter  the  feet  to  pieces;  and,  although  horses  have 
hunted  afterward,  and  hackneys  have  carried  their  riders  long 
distances,  yet  it  is  more  calculated  to  prove  beneficial  to  carriage 
than  to  saddle-horses.  This  we  believe  to  be  a  just  statement  of 
its  merits ;  but  there  are  benefits  which  it  offers  to  the  animal  of 
a  more  extensive  ana  constitutional  kind.  Those  gained  by  the 
bodily  system  generally  have  been,  in  some  cases,  very  marked. 
Thus,  an  aged  and  crippled  stallion,  from  the  irritation  constantly 
kept  up,  became  so  emaciated  as  to  be  unable  to  fecundate ;  but, 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  267 

being  lelieved  from  a  constant  state  of  suffering  by  nearotomy, 
improveti  in  health  and  condition,  and  was  again  used  to  cover. 
It  happened,  also,  that  a  mare,  similarly  circumstanced,  ceased  in 
feel  oestrum ;  but  after  neurotomy  it  again  returned,  and  she  re- 
sumed her  character  of  a  brood-mare.  It  appears  to  act  with 
most  certainty  when  a  portion  of  the  irritated  nerve  is  excised. 
One  case  has  actually  occurred  where  the  tetanus,  occasioned  by 
a  wound  in  the  foot,  was  arrested  and  removed  by  neurotomy 
It  also  promises  much  in  the  painful  state  of  some  cankers,  where 
the  irritation  has  rendered  the  application  of  dressings  almost  im- 
possible. Here,  by  depriving  the  foot  of  sensibility,  we  deprive 
the  horse  of  that  which  is  injurious  to  him.  The  sore  itself  is 
often  amended  by  it;  but  in  every  instance  the  dressings  can  be 
effectively  applied,  and  the  healthy  processes  can  not  be  at  all 
Euspended. 

With  respect  to  whether  the  lower  or  upper  incision  ought  to 
nave  the  preference,  the  decision  should  be  guided  by  the  circim- 
Btances,  as  regards  the  intensity  and  the  seat  of  the  disease.  The 
operation  commonly  leaves,  for  a  considerable  time,  some  enlarge- 
ment around  the  spot,  the  effects  of  the  adhesive  matter  interposed 
between  the  severed  portions  of  the  nerve,  and  which  can  be  rem- 
edied by  no  application  of  bandages.  This  bulging  remains  so 
long  as  life  continues;  and,  however  cunningly  the  incision  be 
concealed,  this  can  be  felt  with  ease,  and  tells  the  truth  ever  after 
the  operation  has  been  performed.  Such  a  circumstance  has,  how- 
ever, led  some  practitioners,  when  it  has  been  wished  to  make  the 
upper  section,  and  yet  to  avoid  the  chance  of  detection,  to  operate 
on  the  metacarpal  nerve  on  the  outside,  and  on  the  pastern  or 
plantar  ner\'e  on  the  inside. 

Mode  of  performing  the  operation. — The  situation  of  the  section 
through  the  skin  being  determined  on,  a  guide  to  which  may  be 
gained  from  the  perforatus  tendon,  and  having  firmly  secured  the 
leg  to  be  first  operated  on,  cut  the  hair  from  the  part.  This  being 
done>  and  the  exact  course  of  the  artery  being  ascertained  by  ita 
pulsation,  make  a  section  close  to  the  edge  of  the  flexor  tendon. 
Let  the  cut  be  near,  but  rather  behind,  the  artery,  if  below  the  fet- 
lock joint.  The  cellular  substance  being  cleared  away  will  bring 
the  vessels  into  view,  and  the  nerve  will  be  readily  distinguished 
from  them  by  its  whiteness.  Elevating  it  from  the  vessels  and 
\\b  membranous  attachments,  by  means  of  a  crooked  needle,  arnoAd 
17 


268  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGKRV. 

mth  thread,  pass  a  bistoury  under  it,  as  near  to  the  upper  angto 
of  the  section  as  possible.  The  violent  spasm  ihe  division  of  the 
nerve  produces  may  be  somewhat  lessened  by  pressing  the  nerve 
between  the  finger  and  the  thumb,  when  an  opportunity  may  be 
taken,  either  with  the  scalpel  or  scissors,  of  dividing  it;  thci, 
taking  hold  of  the  lowermost  portion  between  a  pair  of  forcej*, 
rxcise  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  of  its  trunk.  Ha%nng  fin 
•shed,  if  both  feet  are  affected,  proceed  to  operate  on  the  contrary 
side  of  the  other  leg;  after  which  turn  the  horse,  and  repeat  the 
operations  on  the  like  parts  of  each  leg  as  they  come  in  succession. 
The  integuments  may  be  now  drawn  neatly  together,  and  secured 
by  a  twisted  suture,  the  whole  being  properly  covered  by  a  light 
compress.  Tie  up  the  head  for  a  day  or  two,  after  which  put  on 
a  cradle.  Keep  the  horse  very  quiet  and  low;  give  mashes,  to 
open  the  bowels ;  but  we  should  avoid  physicking,  from  the  fear 
that  griping  might  occur,  which  would  make  him  restles-^  r  prob- 
ably require  exercise. 

Periosteotomy  (Removing  a  Tumor  FRo>r  Surface  of  Bone). 

This  operation  consists  in  having  the  horse  thrown  upon  hia 
side,  and  the  leg  to  be  operated  upon  released  from  the  hobbk, 
and  extended  upon  a  sack,  filled  with  refuse  hay  or  straw.  Thia 
is  done  by  means  of  a  piece  of  webbing  passed  round  the  hoof,  and 
the  end  given  to  a  man  to  hold,  who  pulls  rather  violently  at  the 
member.  The  operator  then  kneels  down  and  feels  for  the  exos- 
tosis he  intends  to  perform  periosteotomy  upon.  This  may  be  a 
splint  or  a  node,  and  commonly  exists  upon  the  metacarpal  portion 
of  the  fore-limb.  The  operator  having  found  the  excrescence,  snips 
just  below  it  with  a  pair  of  rowelling  scissors.  He  then  takes  a 
blunt  seton-needle  and  drives  it  through  the  cellular  tissue,  and 
immediately  over  the  enlargement.  Next,  another  slit  in  the 
skin,  above  the  exostosis,  is  made  with  the  rowelling  scissors,  and 
through  this  last  opening  the  point  of  the  seton-needle  is  forcetl 
and  then  withdrawn.  Into  the  free  space  thus  made  a  curved 
knife  is  introduced.  The  point  of  this  knife  is  blunt,  and  the 
blade  curves  upward,  the  cutting  part  being  below.  Some  per- 
Bons  use  a  very  diminutive  blade,  but  the  editor  prefers  a  rather 
large  instrument,  as  being  more  under  the  command  of  the  hand. 
Having  introduced  this  kuife,  he  turns  the  cuttiro  edge  ^nvnward, 


SURGICAL  OPERA  HON  b.  269 

ind  with  it  incises  the  enlargement,  sending  the  blade  right  through 
the  periosteum,  and  also  through  the  substance  of  the  exostosis,  if 
it  be  not  too  solid  for  the  knife  to  penetrate.  This  latter  fact  l? 
only  to  be  ascertained  by  actual  experience,  and  no  opinion  formed 
after  an  external  examination  can  be  of  any  value,  such  being  nmch 
more  the  guess  of  a  pretender  than  the  judgment  of  a  surgeon. 
The  age  of  the  animal  may  be  some  guide,  but  even  this  it  \a 
better  not  to  depend  upon  too  entirely.  It  is  true  that  young 
horses  freely  cast  forth  exostoses,  which  aged  animals  mostly 
absorb;  but  this  rule,  though  very  general,  has  exceptions,  and 
by  no  means  is  to  be  absolutely  depended  upon. 

The  enlargement  being  cut  through,  next  take  a  seton-needle, 
armed  with  a  tape,  and  draw  it  through  the  channel  already  made. 
Tie  a  knot  at  either  end  of  the  tape,  large  enough  to  prevent  ita 
being  pulled  through  the  opening  at  either  end,  and  the  business 
is  over.  The  affair  is  very  simple,  and  the  horse  may  be  at  once 
let  up.  It  is,  however,  in  some  cases,  and  only  in  some,  of  so  much 
benefit  that  the  horse,  being  thrown  '  dead  lame,'  gets  up  and  trota 
olf  quite  sound.  However,  ere  you  adopt  the  operation,  ajiprise 
the  owner  of  the  risk  incurred,  and  that  it  is  by  no  means  a  cer- 
tain cure.  Leave  the  choice  with  him,  but  be  sure  and  tell  him 
the  opening  made  for  the  entrance  and  exit  of  the  setun  com- 
monly leave  a  blemish  behind  them ;  and  where  the  seton  trav- 
eled, often  there  remains  a  thickening,  which  it  may  require  montha 
to  obliterate. 

The  after  part  of  the  treatment  consists  in  merely  having  the 
seton  daily  moved  to  and  fro,  though  some  persons  apply  an  active 
blister  all  over  the  parts  immediately  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
seton,  under  the  idea  that  the  vesicatory  renders  the  operation  of 
greater  efficacy,  which,  however,  is  very  questionable.  'S\nien  pe- 
riosteotomy acts  at  all,  it  mostly  does  so  at  once ;  and  when  ita 
benefits  are  not  immediate,  it  is  better  to  withdraw  the  seton,  to 
prevent  after-blemish,  rather  than  hazard  further  and  useless  treat- 
ment by  tlie  application  of  a  stimulant  to  skin  already  deprived 
of  any  connection  with  the  deeper-seated  structures. 

Division  of  the  Flexor  Tendon. 

There  are  so  many  accidents  and  diseases  that  may  prodoot 
contraction  of  the  flexor  tendons,  that  we  onl}'  wonder  we  do  not 


260  DADD'8  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

more  often  meet  with  them,  which  we  should  certainly  do,  bu« 
that  the  attend^ts,  despairing  of  being  able  to  afford  relief,  ad- 
vise their  destrnction.  The  operation  consists  in  making  a  longi- 
tudinal incision,  of  about  three  inches  in  length,  along  the  inner 
lateral  edge  of  the  tendon,  dissecting  each  portion  from  its  ceilulai 
attachmsnts,  so  as  to  expose  the  nerve,  artery,  and  tendons.  Thi-> 
opening  will  allow  the  perforans  to  be  freed  from  the  peiforatuij, 
when  a  division  should  be  made  by  a  scalpel  applied  to  its  surface. 
It  is  evident  that  this  should  take  place  below  any  thickening,  oi 
adhesions,  which  may  have  permanently  connected  the  tendon  with 
the  neighboring  parts.  Any  lesser  attachments  will  be  broken 
through,  by  forcing  back  the  foot  to  the  just  position.  By  :Mr. 
Dick  this  was  done  '  by  placing  his  knee  against  the  front  or  pro- 
jecting part  of  the  pastern,  at  the  same  time  laying  hold  of  th<j 
foot  with  one  hand  and  the  upper  part  of  the  leg  with  the  othei, 
and  using  considerable  force;  and  this  appears  to  be  necessary,  in 
order  to  break  any  adhesions  that  may  have  formed.'  The  limb 
should  now  be  placed  in  a  poultice;  and  if  any  fear  of  future  con- 
traction should  arise  duimg  the  cure,  lengthen  the  toe  of  the  shoe 
proper  to  the  foot  operated  on.  Some  slow  exercise,  after  the 
first  week,  may  be  allowed,  but  previously  to  that  the  horse  should 
be  confined  to  a  stall,  during  which  the  bowels  must  be  kept  open 
with  mashes. 

Amputations. 

These  have  been  hitherto  confined  principally  to  the  tail,  tlie 
ears,  and  other  parts  of  minor  importance  in  the  animal  framt; ; 
but  veterinary  surgery  now  takes  a  wider  field,  and  the  extremi- 
ties are  amputated  with  a  certainty  of  making  horned  cattle  still 
serviceable  for  the  purpose  of  yielding  milk ;  and,  without  doubt, 
the  same  might  be  done  with  the  brood-mare  or  stallion,  particu- 
larly in  fractures  of  the  fore  extremities. 

Professor  Dick,  of  the  Edinburgh  Veterinary  College,  furnishea 
a  case,  sent  to  him  by  one  of  his  pupils,  to  the  following  effect : 
*I  performed  amputation  upon  a  cow  on  the  7th  of  July.  After 
having  properly  secured  the  animal,  and  applied  a  torniquet  above 
the  carpus,  I  made  a  circular  incision  through  the  integumontfl 
round  the  leg,  a  little  below  the  carpus;  and,  having  separated 
the  skin  so  as  to  allow  of  its  being  pushed  up  a  little,  I  cut  through 
the  sinews,  and  lastly  sawed  off  the  stump.     The  parts  are  no^ 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  261 

oompletely  whole,  although  she  has  been  going  at  g^ass  all  th« 
time,  anJ,  now  that  she  has  got  the  advantage  of  a  cork  stump, 
makes  a  wonderful  shift  for  herself,  and  yields  a  good  supply  cf 
milk  to  her  owner/ 

Mr.  Dick  also  notices  another  case  of  amputation  of  the  fore-Ieg 
of  a  two-year  old  heifer ;  and  of  a  third,  where  the  hind  leg  waa 
removed  above  the  tarsus.  Such  operations  have  occasionally  oc- 
curred from  time  immemorial,  with  a  few  enterprising  characters. 
We  have  heard  of  them,  but  they  were  mostly  regarded  as  mere 
matters  of  curiosity  or  wonder,  and,  therefore,  were  not  imitated. 
"We  shall,  however,  probably,  erelong  have  them  more  common, 
in  cows,  at  least ;  for,  occurring  below  the  carpus  and  tarsus,  they 
are  as  easily  performed  as  nicking  or  docking;  and  there  is  no 
doubt  but,  were  a  hollow  padded  stump  applied,  such  low  opera- 
tions might  be  prudent  in  many  cases.  Fractures,  with  gr(»t 
comminution  of  bone,  considerable  ravages  of  disease  within  the 
foot,  or  extensive  gangrene,  are  the  cases  which  might  call  for  am- 
putation. 

Of  the  method  of  amputation  little  need  be  added  to  the  above. 
The  principal  practical  points  are,  the  fixing  of  a  torniquet  of 
sufficient  force,  which  should  be  padded  to  make  its  principal 
pressure  on  the  leading  arterial  trunks,  while  its  general  circumfer- 
ence will  act  on  the  smaller  vessels.  A  ring  should  be  cut  lightly 
below  the  intended  place  of  operation,  only  through  the  integu- 
ments, which,  when  separated  from  their  cellular  adhesions  for 
about  six  inches,  should  be  turned  back ;  and  a  circular  incision 
may  then  be  made  through  the  muscles,  etc.,  taking  up  by  liga- 
ture such  vessels,  both  venous  and  arterial,  as  display  a  disposition 
for  much  hemorrhage.  The  section  thus  made,  free  the  bone  from 
the  soft  parts  by  the  scalpel,  where  the  adherences  are  very  inti- 
mate, and,  having,  by  means  of  a  crucial  bandage,  retracted  the 
Boft  parts  altogether  above  the  bone,  saw  it  through.  Finally, 
effectually  secure  the  principal  vessels,  when,  bringing  the  soft 
parts  and  skin  over  the  bone,  retain  them  there  by  proper  ban- 
daging, which  suffer  to  remain  without  disturbance  until  the  third 
or  fourth  day. 

Avipulaiion  of  the  Penis. — Amputation  of  the  penis  is  not  un- 
known among  us.  It  has  been  performed  several  times,  and  it  ia 
found  that  no  canula  is  necessary  to  keep  open  the  urethra,  the  force 
of  the  urinary  flow  breaking  down  any  incipient  cicatrization  of  its 


262  DADL  S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

orifice.  The  sheath  is  first  fi^rced  back,  and  the  penis  brought 
forward  to  its  greatest  possible  extent.  Whatever  portion  it  ia 
intended  to  remove  is  now  cut  through,  by  means  of  an  ampu- 
tating knife,  when  the  remainder  is  retracted  within  the  sheath, 
and  little  hemorrhage  has  afterward  occurred,  except  at  the  time 
of  passing  the  urine ;  but  there  appears  to  have  been  no  alarming 
quantity  of  blood  lost. 

Amputation  of  the  Tail,  or  Docking. — "We  are  most  happy  to 
state  this  filthy  and  unnecessary  operation  is  now  discarded.  It 
never  consisted  of  more  than  the  cutting  off  a  portion  of  the 
gtump  wdth  brute  force,  and  the  cruel  application  afterward  of  a 
hot  iron  to  the  small  artery  of  the  tail. 

Nicking. 

We  should  be  grateful  that  this  barbarous  and  dangerous  pro- 
cess is  no  longer  numbered  among  the  necessary  operations.  It  I'la 
so  beset  with  accidents,  which  no  skill  or  prudence  can  prevent, 
that  no  one  who  has  a  free  will  ought  to  mutilate  a  horse  by 
nicking. 

Firing. 

The  practice  of  fixing  was  not  always  confined  to  quadrupeds. 
On  the  contrary,  it  probably  was  first  used  on  man;  and  to  this 
day,  in  many  countries,  it  is  a  very  popular  remedy  among  human 
»urge)ns.  In  India  it  is  applied  over  the  abdomen  for  the  cure 
»f  scirrhosity  of  the  liver. 

Fifing,  in  veterinary  practice,  has,  by  Mr.  Coleman's  pupils, 
been  justified  as  only  men  will  justify  a  favorite  operation,  the 
virtues  of  which  have  been  impressed  upon  their  minds  by  an  elo- 
quent teacher.  When  Coleman  was  the  chief  of  the  veterinary 
prolession,  firing,  under  his  rule,  was  used  for  anv  and  every 
occasion.  It  was  ridiculously  supposed  to  act  as  a  permanent 
bandage,  as  if  a  few  strokes  with  a  heated  iron  could  destroy  the 
elastic  property  inherent  in  the  skin.  It  was  the  favorite  styptic 
of  these  p.'actitioners,  and  was  applied  to  arteries  (as  of  the  tail) 
as  though  it  possessed  wnthin  itself  some  medicinal  virtue.  It 
was  used  to  promote  absorption,  as  in  callus;  and  was  likewise 
resorted  to  for  checking  absorption,  as  in  ulceration.  It  was  called 
into  action  to  piomote  granulation,  in  broken  knees ;  and  was  also  a 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS,  263 

Rivorite  agent  to  check  granulations,  when  they  were  too  luxuriant. 
In  short,  there  was  no  folly  which  a  hot  iron  did  not  cover.  It 
has  now,  happily,  fallen  into  disuse.  Most  modern  practitioners 
^ill  now  confess  that  their  chief  reason  for  exercising  the  iron  ia 
to  satisfy  the  proprietor,  not  to  benefit  the  animal.  After  such 
an  acknowledgment,  who  would  submit  to  have  his  patient  ser- 
vant's skin  scored  and  burnt  with  red-hot  metal  ? 

The  mode  of  cauterization  differs  according  to  circumstances. 
As  a  general  rule,  it  ought,  of  course,  to  be  applied  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  hair,  by  which  the  blemish  is  lessened ;  but  this  rule 
can  not  be  arbitrarily  followed,  although  it  ought  to  do  away  with 
all  the  false  pride  of  displaying  the  taste  in  the  figures  scored  upon 
a  prostrate  beast.  The  Veterinary  College  recommends  that  the 
limbs  be  always  fired  in  perpendicular  lines ;  others  advocate  al! 
manner  of  fanciful  marks.  Some  cast  the  horse  ;  many  surgeone 
perform  standing.  The  irons  used  are  of  various  shapes  and  di- 
mensions. Some  recommend  the  firing,  of  all  things,  to  be  verj 
light ;  others  persist  there  is  no  virtue  in  hot  iron  unless  it  burnt 
very  deep.  The  operation  consists  in  having  irons  of  some  sub- 
stance made  red-hot,  and  then  dra^\ing  them  mechanically  along, 
or  twisting  them  about  upon  the  skin.  The  figures  are  various; 
BO  is  the  depth  of  the  incision.  Both  must  be  decided  by  the  taste, 
judgment,  or  heartlessness  of  the  operator. 

Blistering. 

This  is  an  operation  of  very  great  utility,  and  is,  perhaps,  com- 
pared with  its  benefits  and  importance,  the  safest  that  is  performed. 
When  a  vesicatory  becomes  absorbed  through  the  pores  of  the 
skin,  it  inflames  the  sensible  cutis  underneath,  the  consequence  of 
rv'hich  is,  an  infusion  of  serum  through  the  part,  which,  in  tlse 
human  subject,  elevates  the  cuticle  into  a  bladder  equal  to  f  he  sur-' 
foce  inflamed,  but  in  the  horse,  from  the  greater  tenacity  ?f  the 
luticular  connections,  it  becomes  separated  in  the  form  o  i'nall 
distinct  vesicles  only.  If  the  irritating  cause  be  quickly  re  _*oved, 
the  serum  may  be  reabsorbed,  and  the  surface  restored  by  a  slight 
effort  of  adhesive  inflammation.  If  the  irritant  act  in  a  «ti]' 
minoi  degree,  i't  simply  irritates  the  vessels  of  the  cutis  to  an  in- 
filtration of  fluid  through  the  sensible  pores,  but  produces  no 
desquamation  «»f  puticle.     Such  has  been  called  a  sweating  blister. 


2G4  L'ADDS  VETEKlNAliy   MEDICINE  AJND  SURGERY. 

But  when,  by  continued  irritation,  the  cutis  is  exposed,  suppura- 
tion succeeds,  and  the  part  is  fully  blistered. 

The  salutary  action  of  blisters  ifs  exerted  in  several  ways — in 
promoting  absorption,  in  combating  deep-seated  inflammations, 
and  in  aiding  others.  As  a  stimulus  to  the  abscrbents,  they  act 
beneficially  in  the  removal  of  injurious  deposits,  as  the  coagula 
remaining  after  inflamn  atoiy  lesions  ;  but  it  is  to  be  remarked 
tliat  when  any  existing  deposit  is  of  long  continuance,  or  is  osse- 
ous, it  requires  that  the  action  of  the  vesicatory  be  kept  up. 
Mercurial  blisters  have  been  thought  to  have  a  superior  influence 
in  accelerating  absorption.  Mercurials,  rubbed  in  some  weeks  or 
days  previously  to  blistering,  are  certainly  great  assistants,  and 
should  always  be  employed  in  the  treatment  of  obstinate  osseoua 
or  ligamentary  enlargements.  Blisters  are  very  important  aids  in 
inflammatory  affections,  as  counter-irritants,  derived  from  a  law 
in  the  animal  economy,  that  two  inflammations  seldom  exist  in 
the  vicinity  of  each  other;  therefore,  when  such  an  affection  has 
taken  place  in  any  part,  and  we  wish  to  remove  it,  we  attempt  to 
raise  an  artificial  inflammation  in  the  neighborhood  by  means  of 
blisters,  which,  if  persevered  in,  destroy,  or  at  least  lessen,  the 
original  one.  Occasionally,  also,  we  blister  the  immediate  inflamed 
part,  with  an  intention  to  hasten  the  suppurative  process  by  in- 
creasing the  activity  of  the  vessels,  as  in  deep-seated  abscesses,  and 
also  in  those  which  attack  glandular  parts.  We  therefore  emplo;i' 
blisters  to  hasten  the  maturation  of  the  tumors  in  strangles. 
When  the  flagging  powers  vascillate  between  resolution  and  sup- 
puration, as  they  often  do  in  the  phlegmonous  inflammations  oi' 
glandular  or  of  deep-seated  parts,  blisters  may  either  hasten  the 
resolution,  or  they  may  add  their  influence  to  the  attempted  sup- 
puration, and  thus  bring  it  to  maturity.  But  we  carefully  avoid, 
in  other  cases,  applying  a  vesicant  to  a  part  immediately  in  a  state 
of  active  inflammation.  Particularly  we  should  avoid  what  is  too 
often  done,  that  of  blistering  over  the  tendons,  ligaments,  and  ar- 
ticulatory  surfaces  of  a  tumid  limb,  laboring  under  a  congested 
state  of  the  parts  from  excess  of  vascular  action.  Here  we  fehould 
do  great  injury  were  we  to  blister,  by  causing  a  greater  deposit 
of  lymph,  and  by  hastening  its  organization  into  an  injurious  bond 
of  union  between  the  inflamed  parts. 

The  vesicatory,  or  blister,  for  general  use  in  veterinary  medi- 
dne,  as  a  simple  stimulant,  should  be  principally  composed  of 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  266 

Spanish  flies.  Caeaper  substitutes  are  used,  but  tbey  irritate  vio- 
lently. In  extensive  inflammatory  affections,  they  are,  on  this 
account,  perfectly  inadmissible ;  and  wherever  a  case  requires  any 
thing  more,  it  will  be  noted.  The  mode  of  blistering  with  the 
Spanish  fly  is  sufficiently  known.  The  hair  should  be  cut  or  shorn 
as  close  as  possible  from  around  the  part;  the  blistering  matter 
should  then  be  well  rubbed  in  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  If  the 
pasterns  and  fetlocks  are  the  parts  to  be  blistered,  previous  to  rub- 
bing in  the  ointment,  smear  some  lard,  tallow,  or  melted  suet  over 
the  heels,  and  within  the  hollow  at  the  back  of  the  small  pastern. 
This  will  often  prevent  some  troublesome  sores  forming,  from  the 
blistering  ointment  falling  on  these  sensitive  parts.  While  a  blis- 
ter is  acting,  the  litter  should  be  removed  from  under  the  feet,  or 
it  will  tickle  the  legs  and  irritate ;  but,  above  all,  the  head  ought 
to  be  most  carefully  secured,  for  two  days  and  nights,  to  oppose 
lying  down,  more  especially  to  prevent  the  horse  biting  the  blis- 
tered part.  On  the  third  evening  he  may  be  permitted  to  repose 
but  a  prevention  should  even  then  be  continued,  by  means  of  what 
i«  called  a  cradle.  This  apparatus  may  be  bought  at  every  turn- 
ing shop,  or  may  be  made  of  eight  or  ten  pieces  of  round  wood, 
an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  and  two  feet  long.  These  are 
strung  at  each  end  on  a  rope,  and  fastened  around  the  neck. 
'When  it  is  intended  to  blister  repeatedly,  the  effects  of  the  first 
should  have  subsided  before  the  second  is  applied,  the  scurf  and 
scabs  also  be  cleared  away,  and  the  part  well  washed  with  soap 
and  water.  In  all  cases,  the  third  or  fourth  day  after  the  applica- 
tion the  part  should  be  thoroughly  painted  over,  by  means  of  a 
'ong-haired  brush  (such  as  are  in  use  with  pastry-cooks  to  glaze 
their  crusts),  with  lead  liniment,  which  should  be  repeated  every 
day.  And  when  it  is  proposed  to  turn  a  horse  out,  it  should  never 
be  done  until  the  whole  blistered  surface  be  quite  healed ;  other- 
wise dirt,  flies,  etc.,  may  prove  hurtful. 

It  remains  to  observe  that,  instead  of  repeated  active  blistering, 
it  is,  in  some  cases,  preferable  to  keep  up  a  continual  slight  irrita- 
tion on  the  original  blister  by  means  of  stimulants,  as  iodine  oint- 
ment, mild  blistering  applications,  etc.  Caution  is,  however, 
necessary,  to  avoid  forming  an  eschar,  and  thereby  a  permanent 
blemish  ;  but  when  a  blemish  is  not  of  consequence,  this  plan  will 
be  found  often  more  efficacious  than  firing,  as  in  splints,  spavina, 
etc.     Somft  practitioners  blister  mildly  one  day,  and  on  thf  nexi 


266  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

wrasii  otf  the  blistering  matter,  thereby  saving  loss  of  hair ,  but 
there  is  more  of  apparent  than  real  good  in  this  plan.  If  a  blis- 
ter be  necessary,  it  requires  all  its  activity. 

Ammoniacal  blister. — Spanish  flies  are  only  efficacious  when  th« 
animal  can  affi)r(l  to  wait  their  action,  which  is  rather  slow.  Tn 
most  jf  the  acute  diseases,  the  horse  would  perish  before  the  blis- 
t€r  began  to  rise,  wherefore  resort  has  been  had  to  boiling  water 
and  red-hot  iron.  Tie  action  of  these  last  coarse  and  brutal 
measures  was  alone  controlled  by  the  violence  of  the  internal  in- 
flammation, and,  if  the  practitioner  was" mistaken  in  his  estimate 
of  the  immediate  danger,  extensive  and  lasting  blemish  was  the 
consequence.  We  have  in  the  liquor  ammonia  an  agent  quite  as 
formidable  as  boiling  water  or  heated  iron,  but  it  is  rather  kngcr 
in  displaying  its  force ;  wherefore,  it  allows  time  for  watching  its 
action,  and  of  checking  it  the  instant  it  has  sufficiently  blistered 
the  skin.  It  is  true  the  liquor  ammonia  upon  the  skin  can  not  be 
removed,  neither  need  i1  be  counteracted.  Ammonia  is  like  steam, 
only  powerful  when  confined.  The  ordinary  soap  liniment,  if 
covered  over,  would,  because  of  the  ammonia  it  contains,  produce 
a  lasting  blemish ;  but  every  veterinary  surgeon  knows  how  very 
harmless  a  preparation  that  is  when  simply  rubbed  upon  the  sur- 
face. So,  when  we  desire  the  active  effects  oi  liquor  ammonia,  we 
double  a  blanket  or  rug  four  or  five  times  and  hold  it  over  the 
liquid.  It  takes  from  ten  to  twenty  minutes  to  raise  a  blister,  ant? 
it  consequently  can,  from  time  to  time,  be  observed ;  and  when  its 
action  has  reached  the  wished-for  point,  all  we  have  to  do,  effectu- 
ally to  stop  it,  is  to  take  away  the  rug  or  blanket.  That  removel, 
the  free  surface  and  the  heat  of  the  body  occasions  the  ammoniacil 
vapor  to  be  dispersed,  and  the  animal  is  safe. 

ROWELLING. 

Kowels  acts  as  foreign  substances  within  the  body.  They  csosa 
irritation  and  suppuration,  whereby  more  deep-seated  inflamma- 
tions are  supposed  to  be  removed.  They  are,  however,  oflen  very 
convenient,  because  they  stand  as  sign-boards  to  show  the  proprie- 
tor that  something  has  been  done.  The  common  mode  of  making 
a  rowel  is  after  the  following  manner:  A  slit  is  first  made  by 
means  of  the  rowel  scissors,  on  any  part  of  th'^  integuments,  held 
between  the  finiier  and  thumb.     With  the  handle  of  the  scisnsor* 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS.  267 

nepnrnte  from  its  cellular  connections  a  circle  of  two  or  three  inches 
in  diameter,  into  which  introrhice  something  to  prevent  the  rcunioL= 
of  the  skin.    A  piece  of  circular  leather,  tolerably  stiff,  with  a  cen- 
tral hole,  is  a  very  common  substance  used,  but  is  objectcvl  to  by 
some  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  changing  it  without  injuring 
the  skin.     Tow,  as  more  pliant,  is  frequently  introduced  into  thi? 
cavity.     If  the  rowel  runs  freely,  it  should  be  dressed  every  day, 
by  changing  the  plug,  if  of  tow,  and  by  cleansing  it,  if  of  leather. 
No  rowel  should  go  undressed  beyond  the  second  day,  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  horse.     They  are  very  favorite  ajijilications  with  far- 
riers, and  frequently  abused  by  being  employed  indiscriminately, 
but  are  falling  int**  disuse,  setons  having  almost  superseded  them. 
Setons,  in  their  action,  resemble  a  very  mild  form  of  rowel,  bat 
are  more  convenient  in  their  application.     There  is  hardly  a  jiart 
of  the  body  where  a  seton  may  not  be  conveniently  placed.    They 
have  been  put  around  the  eye ;  they  have  also  been  entered  at  the 
^vithers,  and  brought  out  between  the  humerus  and  the  sternum, 
so  extensive  or  so  diminutive  can  they  be  made.    In  sinuous  ulcers 
of  the  withers  and  of  the  neck  they  may  be  placed ;  through  the 
heels,  in  foot  diseases,  they  have  been  inserted.     In  cavernous 
sores,  they  are  entered  at  the  superior  part,  and  are  brought  out  at 
an  inferior,  so  as  to  form  a  depending  orifice.    The  formation  of  a 
seton  is  very  simple.     A  skein  of  thread,  or  a  piece  of  tape,  of  a 
convenient  size,  may  be  used.    At  the  one  end  place  a  large  knot ; 
arm  the  eye  of  a  covresponding-sized  seton-needle  with  the  free  end 
of  the  tape ;  introduce  this  into  any  proposed  part,  and,  bringing 
it  out  at  some  other,  either  make  a  second  knot,  or  tie  the  two  ends 
of  the  tape  together;  which  last  method  of  fastening  is,  however, 
often  objected  to,  from  the  danger  of  its  catching  in  sometliing  and 
being  torn  out,  to  the  disfigurement  of  the  horse.     When  a  s(  ton 
is  placed  in  a  sinuous  track,  for  the  purpose  of  inflaming,  it  ig 
moved  twice  a  day,   frequently,  and   moistened  each  time  witl. 
gonu  stimulant,  as  oil  of  turpentine,  tincture  of  aloes  and  of  I)en- 
jamin.     All  setons  require  daily  cleaning  and  moving.     "When 
they  are  required  to  act  more  quickly,  the  tape  is  infused  in  tere- 
binthinate  of  cantharides,  or  small  pieces  of  black  hellebore  are 
sewn  within  it.     An  old  material,  composed  of  woollen,  flax,  o* 
cotton  and  hair,  is  also  used  instead  of  tape.     Setons,  however, 
are  of  small  service  in  acute  cases.     They  are  chiefly  in  U8€  foi 
•Jistu^bannon  of  a  chronic  description. 


46»  D^DD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICU^E  AND  SURGERY. 

ABSTRACTION  OP  BlOOD,  OR  BlEEDINQ  (ArTERIOTOMY.) 

Blood  is  abstracted  by  opening  the  conducting  vessels,  arterial 
and  venous.  Wlien  taken  from  arteries,  the  process  is  called 
arteriotomy ;  when  by  the  latter,  phlebotomy.  Some  oleedings 
include  both  these  operations,  as  general  scarifications  of  the  soft 
parts,  bleeding  at  the  toe  point,  divisions  of  the  vessels  of  the  cor- 
nea, etc.  B'ood-letting  is  called  local  when  it  is  practiced  on  or 
very  near  the  affected  part ;  and  it  is  supposed  to  act  more  immedi- 
ately than  general  bleeding  because  it  produces  more  effect  with  the 
loss  of  less  blood.  Local  bleeding  is,  therefore,  usually  practiced 
on  the  minor  branches  of  the  arteries  and  veins,  as  on  the  tem- 
poral artery,  the  plate  vein,  the  vena  saphena,  etc.  Leeches  are 
a  means  of  local  bleeding  not  often  used  by  us  in  veterinary  prac- 
tice ;  but  there  is  no  reason  whatever  why  they  should  not  be  em- 
ployed. When  applied  to  the  eye,  and  occasionally  to  other  parts, 
also,  they  adhere  readily,  abstracting  blood  rapidly,  and,  there- 
fore, might  be  valuable  aids  in  violent  local  inflammation.  Cup- 
ping is  also  practiced,  in  France  and  other  parts  of  the  Continent, 
with  very  large  glasses,  and  it  is  there  supposed  to  act  remedially 
in  many  local  inflammations.  By  general  bleeding  we  under- 
stand the  depletion  of  the  system  at  large,  and  this  we  practice  in 
extensive  inflammations. 

Division  of  the  temporal  artery. — The  proper  spot  for  either  its 
puncture  or  division  is  directly  where  the  vessel  leaves  the  parotid 
gland,  to  curve  upward  and  forward  around  the  jaw,  a  little  be- 
low its  condyle.  When  it  is  punctured,  it  usually  affords  much 
blood ;  and  in  such  case,  enough  having  been  obtained,  divide  the 
trunk,  when,  the  receding  portions  becoming  pressed  by  the  in- 
teguments, and  lessening  by  their  own  contractility,  the  hemor- 
rhage is  stopped.  It  should  be  punctured  by  a  lancet ;  a  fleam 
may  fix  itself  in  the  bone.  Its  division  can  be  readily  made,  also, 
either  by  a  lancet  or  scalpel. 

Bleeding  by  the  palate  is  also  a  species  of  arterio-phlebotomy, 
and  is  a  very  favorite  spot  for  abstracting  blood  with  most  igno- 
rant persons,  who  vehemently  recommend  it  in  spasmodic  colic  cr 
gripes,  and  in  megrims.  In  such  cases,  however,  a  want  of  knowl- 
edge of  the  anatomy  of  the  parts  has  occasioned  a  serious  hemoi 
rhage  to  occur ;  it  may  prove  a  fatal  one  if  the  artery  proper  to  the 
l»art  be  divided  incompletely.     The  palatine  artery  and  nerve  run 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONa.  269 

near  each  other,  on  each  side  of  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  so  as  to 
divide  the  inner  surface  of  the  hard  palate  into  three  nearly  equal 
portions.  No  other  than  a  direct  division  of  the  vein  should  ever 
be  made ;  therefore,  when  bleeding  is  determined  on  at  this  place, 
do  it  by  plunging  a  lancet  or  even  a  penknife  in  a  direct  line 
across  the  rugae,  one  inch  within  the  mouth,  exactly  between  the 
middle  and  second  nippers.  There  these  vessels  form  a  curve, 
which  curve  will  be  divided,  and  will  then  yield  three  or  four 
pints  of  blood.  If  the  instrument  enter  too  much  on  one  side,  aa 
about  the  middle  of  the  second  nipper,  then  a  partial  and  longi- 
tudinal division  of  the  artery  may  be  made,  and  an  alarming  hem- 
orrhage may  follow.  In  this  case,  the  section  must  be  enlarged 
and  deepened  inwardly — that  is,  away  from  the  teeth — which  com- 
pletely severs  the  vessel,  and  its  retraction  will  stop  the  hem- 
orrhage. A  moderate  or  slight  flow  of  blood  from  the  palate  may 
be  obtained  by  light  scarifications  of  the  rugae.  But  all  bleedings 
here,  except  under  circumstances  of  the  most  urg-ent  necessity,  had 
better  be  avoided. 

Bleeding  by  the  toe  is  also  arterio-phlebotomy.  By  no  means 
cut  out  a  portion  of  the  sole  at  the  point  of  the  frog,  which  fre- 
quently occasions  abscess;  but,  with  a  veiy  fine  drawing-knife, 
cut  down  exactly  in  the  line  of  union  between  the  crust  and  the 
sole ;  then,  by  puncturing  the  part  with  a  lancet,  a  vast  flow  of 
blood  may  be  obtained,  the  benefits  of  which,  in  some  cases,  are 
very  marked,  particularly  in  acute  founder.  If  the  blood  should 
not  flow  with  suiBcient  freedom,  place  the  foot  in  warm  water. 
The  bleeding  finished,  cover  the  puncture  with  some  tow  and  a 
little  tar,  and  liglitly  tack  on  the  shoe.  There  are,  however,  other 
methods  of  bleeding  from  the  toe.  Mr.  Maver  uses  a  drawing- 
knife  with  a  long  curve,  so  that  one  sweep  of  the  blade  may  cut  a 
piece  out  of  the  foot.  This  appears  to  us  bad  practice,  as  it  leaves 
Nature  a  space  to  fiE  up,  instead  of  a  simple  incised  wound  to 
heal.  Others  take  away  none  of  the  horn,  but  merely  make  a  slit 
tlirough  the  outer  covering  on  to  the  vascular  portion  of  the  foot. 
The  flap  of  horn  they  hold  up,  so  long  as  they  desire  blood,  by  the 
insertion  of  a  piece  of  wood  ;  and  when  they  have  obtained  blood 
enough,  they  take  out  the  wood,  so  as  to  let  the  horny  flap  down. 
This  last  method,  of  all  others,  appears  to  us  the  easiest  anl  th« 
best. 

Sometimes  the  plantjr  vein  is  opened  as  a  substitute.     Scarifi 


t70  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICmE  AND  SURGERY, 

cations  are,  also,  occasionally  practiced,  which,  of  course,  vUvid* 
both  venous  and  arterial  branches.  In  France  extensive  scarifi- 
cations used  to  be  made  into  indurations  before  the  suppurativa 
process  had  commenced,  which,  in  some  cases,  prevented  that 
from  going  on,  and  the  remedial  wounds  made  were  healed  by 
adhesive  inflammation,  or  by  healthy  granulation.  The  same 
method  has  also  been  occasionally  practiced  here,  but  it  is  not 
now  often  attempted. 

Phlebotomy,  or  the  puncture  of  a  venous  branch,  l-.  the  most 
usual  mode  of  drawing  blood  in  veterinary  practice,  z.vA  may  be 
employed  on  any  point  of  the  body ;  but  some  vessels  are  much 
more  frequently  opened  than  others,  and  most  of  all  the  jugular 
vein. 

Bleeding  by  the  thigh  vein. — The  saphena  is  a  prominent  vein 
continued  from  the  inner  part  of  the  hock,  and  may  be  opened  by 
the  fleam,  but  with  much  greater  safety  and  projiriety  by  a  lancet. 
The  opposite  leg  being  held  up,  the  operator,  placing  himself  in 
front  of  the  thigh,  and  steadying  himself  and  the  horse  by  placing 
one  hand  on  the  hock,  may  fix  the  vein  with  the  little  finger  of  the 
other,  while  the  lancet,  held  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger, 
punctures  it.  This  vein  should  never  be  opened  save  upon  abso- 
lute necessity,  as  it  is  often  troublesome  to  pin  up.  A  horse  has 
been  cast  for  the  trivial  matter  of  stopping  the  hemorrhage. 

Bleeding  from  the  plate  vein. — This  vein  is  frequently  opened  tc 
xX  stract  blood  after  injuries  of  the  fore  extremities. 

The  superficial  brachial  vein  is  a  continuation  of  the  superficial 
\i  nsion  of  the  metacarpal  veins,  and  in  the  passage  upward  receives 
more  than  one  branch.  Its  principal  trunk  ascends  along  the  inuer 
side  of  the  radius.  It  may  also  be  well  to  remark  that,  when  taking 
blood  from  the  superficial  veins  of  the  arm  or  fore-arm,  if  any  diffi- 
culty is  experienced  in  obtaining  a  sufficient  flow,  the  lifting  up  of 
the  other  leg,  by  throwing  the  muscles  of  the  punctured  one  into 
action,  will  force  the  blood  from  the  inner  to  the  outer  set,  and  an 
increased  quantity  may  be  obtained.  The  plate  vein,  or  external 
thoracic,  is  often  opened,  as  it  emerges  fi-ora  behind  the  arm,  and 
is  pinned  up  without  any  difficulty. 

Bleeding  by  the  jugular  vein. — The  situation  of  this  important 
vessel  is  well  known,  but  its  internal  connections  are  not  so  fa- 
miliar, though  such  knowledge  is  essential  to  the  uniform  safety  of 
the  operation.     The  horse  has  only  external  jugular  veins,  a  righl 


SURGICAL  OPERATIOr  8.  271 

antl  a  'efl  one.  As  each  emerges  from  th*  chest,  it  is  found  deep- 
seated,  a.iO  approaching  the  trachea.  It  then  passes  forward,  in 
3om])any  wiih  the  oxternal  carotid  artery.  Toward  the  middle 
ef  the  neck  it  becciiies  more  superficial,  and  is  now  distinctly 
seen  progressing  rather  above  and  without  the  carotid  artery  and 
trachea,  or  windpipe.  The  carotid,  therefore,  in  the  future  cours* 
of  the  jugular,  is  situated  a  little  below  and  more  deep-seated  than 
Ih.e  vein.  The  jugular  is  also  separated  from  the  carotid  by  a 
sliglit  muscular  band,  derived  from  the  levator  humeri.  Its  fur- 
ther tra»;k  is  marked  in  the  hollow  formed  by  the  inferior  edge  of 
the  levator  humeri,  where  it  is  covered  by  the  panniculus  carnosua 
and  integuments  only,  when,  having  nearly  reached  the  jaw,  it 
makes  its  well-known  division  into  two  portions.  Bleeding  by 
the  jugular  is  usually  practiced  with  a  lancet  or  with  a  fleam.  The 
proper  spot  for  the  puncture  may  be  found  anjnvhere  between  tw(' 
inches  and  six  from  the  division  of  the  vein.  This  latitude  is  here 
mentioned,  because  it  is  prudent  to  avoid  puncturing  directly  over 
a  former  bleeding-place,  known  by  the  scar  and  enlargement.  It 
should  also  be  avoided  where  a  little  knot  in  the  course  of  the 
vein  will  sometimes  denote  the  existence  of  one  of  the  v^enous 
valves.  But  in  all  ordinary  cases,  where  these  hindrances  do  not 
appear,  operate  at  two  or  three  inches  from  the  division  of  the 
vein,  which  will  be  sufficiently  evident  when  it  is  pressed  on  below 
the  place  punctured.  Avoid  operating  low  down  in  the  neck,  as 
there  the  vessel  is  deeper-seated,  and  near  to  important  parts. 

First  moisten  the  hair  and  smooth  it  down ;  then,  steady4ng 
and  enlarging  the  vessel  with  one  hand,  with  the  other  plunge  the 
[>oint  of  the  lancet  into  the  integuments,  so  as  just  to  puncture 
I  hem  and  the  vein  ;  then,  by  a  slight  turn  of  the  wrist,  carry  the 
irstrnment  obliquely  forward  to  finish  the  cut.  For  opening  the 
smaller  veins,  the  lancet  should  always  be  used.  In  all  but  the 
pra,cticed  hand  the  fleam  is  the  safest  for  bleeding  from  the  jugu- 
lar It  is  always  prudent  to  have  the  eye  of  the  horse  ccvored 
Unless  the  eye  be  covered,  the  horse  will  be  likely  to  flinch  at  the 
moment  of  the  stroke,  and  the  puncture  may  be  made  in  any  place 
but  where  we  wish.  The  hair  beinsc  first  wetted  and  smoothed, 
and  the  fleam  being  retained  in  the  lefl  hand,  the  unemployed 
fingers  pressing  on  the  vein  so  as  to  fix  and  swell  the  vessel,  let 
the  point  rest  exactly  in  the  middle  of  the  swelling.  Strike  the 
fleam  snfliciently  hard  to  penetrate  the  skin  and  vein.      A  blood- 


272  DADD'S  VETERINAKY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Btick  is  preferable  for  the  p'lrpose  of  striking  the  fleam.  There  ii 
a  vibration  between  two  hard  bodies  when  they  meet,  which,  in 
this  instance,  is  favorable  to  a  quick  and  moderate  puncture  of  the 
vein.  After  the  vein  has  been  opened,  moderate  pressure  with  the 
edge  of  the  can  which  catches  the  blood  is  sufficient  to  keep  up 
the  flow.  It  may  c^so  be  encouraged  by  putting  a  finger  within 
the  horse's  moutli.  The  requisite  quantity  of  blood  being  drawn, 
remove  the  can.  The  remaining  process  of  securing  the  ♦^essel 
is  of  equal  importance.  The  sides  of  the  orifice  are  first  to  be 
brought  in  opposition,  without  pinching  them,  and  without  draw- 
ino-  them  from  the  vein.  The  same  cautions  should  also  be  ob- 
served when  the  pin  is  introduced.  Let  it  be  small,  with  an 
irregular  point,  and,  when  inserted,  wrap  around  it  a  few  hairs 
or  a  little  tow. 

Common,  however,  as  this  operation  is,  and  qualified  as  every 
one  thinks  himself  to  perform  it,  yet  there  are  very  serious  acci-. 
dents  which  do  arise  occasionally.  It  has  occuiied  that  the  carotid 
artery  has  become  penetrated.  When  the  puncture  has  been  made 
through  the  vein,  the  accident  is  known  immediately  by  the  forci- 
ble and  pulsatory  gush  of  florid  arterial  and  dark  venous  blood 
together.  In  one  instance  of  this  kind,  whioli  occurred  to  a  French 
practitioner,  he  immediately  thrust  his  finger  into  the  opening 
through  the  vein,  and  thus  plugged  up  the  artery,  intending  to 
wait  for  assistance.  In  this  state  he  remainpd,  we  believe,  an 
hour  or  more,  when,  removing  his  finger,  to  his  surprise,  he  found 
the  hemorrhage  had  ceased,  and  did  not  again  return.  In  another 
case,  where  an  English  practitioner  accidentally  opened  the  carotid, 
he  placed  a  compress  on  the  orifice,  and  had  relays  of  men  to  hold 
it  there  for  forty-eight  hours,  when  it  was  found  the  bleeding  had 
jtopped. 

The  admission  of  air  is  also  another  serious  accident  that  now 
and  then  attends  bleedmg.  It  sometimes  happens  from  the  sudden 
removal  of  the  fingers  or  blood-can,  or  whatever  was  used  to  dis- 
tend the  vessel  by  obstructing  the  return  of  the  blood.  This,  being 
suddenly  taken  away,  allows  the  escape  of  the  blood  toward  the 
heart,  and  occasions  a  momentary  vacuum,  the  air  being  heard  to 
rush  with  a  gurgling  noise  into  the  vein  through  the  orifice;  it 
then  mixes  with  the  blood,  and  occasions,  in  some  instances,  almost 
immediate  death.  The  animal  begins  to  tremble ;  he  next  staggers, 
ftnd  finally  falls  in  a  state*  of  convulsion.     If  the  quantity  of  air 


SURGICAL  OPERATIONS. 


273 


taken  in  has  been  considerable,  death  ensues.  The  remedy  must, 
therefore,  be  instantaneous,  and  consists  in  again  opening  the  ori- 
fice, or  making  a  new  one,  to  gain  an  immediate  renewed  flow  of 
blood,  which  will,  in  most  cases,  renovate  the  horse,  who  has  been 
found  afterward  to  be  tormented  with  an  intolerable  itching."  * 


*  Blaine's  "Outlines." 


18 


SECTIO]^  X. 

DISEASES    OP    THE    SKIN    AND    SUB-TISSUES. 

Itch  and  Mange — Lice  on  Animals — Grease  and  Scratches — Surfeit — Drop- 
sical Limbs  —  Scarletina  —  Ringworm  —  Prurigo — Pole-evil — Fistulous 
Withers — Warts  on  the  Skin — Purpura  Hemorrhagica — Out  of  condi* 
TiON — Hide-bound— Herpes. 


Itch  and  Maxge. 

ITCH,  mange,  and  scabies  are  essentially  local  affections  of  the 
skin,  and  are  occasioned  by  the  presence  of  parasites  known 
as  "  sarcoptes-equi."    The  eruption  ensuing  on  the  skin  of  a  horse, 

W'hen  subject  to  this  aifection,  is  very 
similar  to  the  apj)earance  of  itch  in  man, 
and  probably  is  just  as  tormenting  to 
the  animal  as  in  the  case  of  his  master. 
Numerous  cases  are  recorded  of  trans-* 
mission  of  itch  from  horse  to  man,  and, 
when  so  acquired,  it  is  impossible  to  dis- 
tinguish it  from  the  human  itch.  Some 
persons  suffer  severely  when  attending 
mangy  horses,  but  a  clean  person  or  clean 
horse  are  not  apt  to  take  the  disease.  It 
is  well  known  that  a  healthy  and  clean 
horse  may  stand  for  weeks  near  a  mangy 
one  without  taking  the  disease,  showing, 
very  conclusively,  that  the  best  preventive  measures  are  those 
which  promote  health  and  cleanliness.  As  the  English  groom 
gays,  "  plenty  of  elbow-grease,  by  means  of  brush  and  curry-comb, 
on  the  skin  of  the  horse ;  regular  daily  exercise,  pure  air  in  the 
stable,  and  a  sufficiency  of  good  digestible  food  are  sovereign 
remedies  against  itch  and  mange."  This,  we  presume,  is  all  the 
(274J 


ACAErS,  OR  SAnCOPTES-EQUI,    THE 
ITCH  PAHASITE   (MAGNIFIED). 


-  -SEASES  OF  THE  SKIN   AND  SUB-TISSUES.  275 

reader   wants  to  know  Avitli  reference  to  the  cause  of  itch  and 
mange. 

Syinptoins. — AVhen  a  horse  is  afl'ected  with  this  malady,  in  either  - 
of  the  forms  here  named,  the  owner's  attention  will  be  aroused 
by  the  animal  rubbing  himself,  whenever  he  can  get  a  fair  chance 
to  do  so;  and,  should  the  limbs  or  heels  be  affected,  he  will  rub 
the  fore-legs  one  against  the  other,  and,  at  night,  will  constantly 
;trilce  the  floor  with  his  hind  extremities.  The  hair  looks  un- 
thrifty, has  lost  its  gloss,  and  does  not  lay  smooth  on  the  body. 
It  falls  off  in  })atches,  and  an  eruption  is  observed  similar  to  the 
appearance  of  it<-h  on  man,  yet  not  so  distinctly  recognized.  A 
few  pimples,  scabs,  and  a  slight  reddening  of  the  parts  is  all  that 
m  ly,  perhaps,  be  seen.  The  skin  of  some  horses,  however,  is 
m  ire  vascukir  and  more  delicately  organized  than  others.  In  the 
lal  'er  case  tlie  disease  is  more  marked,  creates  greater  irritation, 
an  I  the  nervous  system  suffers  more  from  sympathetic  irritability 
thi  n  in  the  case  of  an  animal  having  a  coarse  and  comparatively 
infc  msible  "  hide."  In  addition  to  these  symptoms,  the  affected 
ani  iial  will  be  observed  to  be  more  or  less  fractious  and  unman- 
ag<  able. 

Treatment. — The  disease  being  of  a  local  character,  requires 
tc.pical  (local)  remedies,  and  the  best  medicine  is  that  which  most 
quickly  destroys  the  life  of  the  itch  parasite.  It  has  been  found 
that  preparations  of  creosote  kill  the  parasite  in  a  few  seconds, 
and  Geela.'^h  recommends  the  following  preparation: 

No.  28.  Creosote 2^-  oz. 

Spirits  of  wine 15     oz. 

Water -tO     oz. 

Previous  to  the  application  of  this,  the  same  authority  advise* 
that  the  horse  be  smeared  all  over  the  body  witn  sof\  soap,  wash- 
ine  it  off  some  time  afterward  with  warm  water,  and  having  the 
animal  well  brushed;  or  a  wash  may  be  afterward  used,  consist- 
ing of  one  part  of  caustic  potass  to  lifty  jxirts  of  water;  or,  lastly, 
greasing  the  animal  with  linseed  oil,  train  oil,  etc.,  and,  one  or 
two  davs  afterward,  washing  witii  soap  and  water  or  potash  ley 
then  api^ly  the  preparation  of  creosote. 

The  cheapest,  and  probably  the  sa-fcst,  jilan  of  treatment,  and 
that  which  lias  proved  most  successful  in  the  practice  of  the  author, 
is  f s  follows : 


276  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINil  AND  SURCiERT. 

No.  29.  Uuslaked  lime 1  lb. 

Flour  of  sulphur 2  lbs. 

Water --2  pts. 

Put  these  ingredients  in  a  stone  jar,  set  it  on  the  stove,  or  in 
a  regular  water-bath,  until  it  boils.  During  the  interval,  the 
mixture  must  be  constantly  stirred,  both  in  view  of  insuring  a 
complete  mixture,  and  of  keeping  the  lime  and  sulphur  from  de- 
positing in  the  bottom  of  the  jar;  for,  should  this  occur,  the  jar 
will  crack.  The  mixture  must  be  stirred  with  a  wooden  spatula 
or  glass  rod.  Keep  the  mixture  boiling  for  about  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes ;  then  set  it  aside  for  twelve  hours,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  pour  oif  the  clear  liquor,  bottle  tightly,  and  cork  the  bottles. 
These  should  be  put  away  in  a  dark  closet,  as  the  mixture  soon 
decomposes  when  exposed  to  the  sun's  rays.  Tnis  remedy  will 
cure  the  itch  on  horses  and  cattle.  It  is,  also,  a  sure  cure  when 
used  on  man.  It  is  not  adapted  to  the  cure  of  the  malady  in 
sheep,  as  the  sulphur  is  supposed  to  be  injurious  to  wool.  The 
only  objection  to  its  use  is,  that  it  has  a  very  unpleasant  odor — 
smells  like  sulphureted  hydrogen.  Before  applying  this  mixture, 
the  animal  should  be  thoroughly  washed  with  warm  water  an<i 
common  brown  soap;  then  wipe  the  animal  dry,  and  apply  the 
sulphur  mixture,  by  means  of  a  sponge.  One  application,  if 
properly  applied,  will  usually  suffice  to  kill  the  parasites.  Should 
it  fail  in  the  first  instance,  a  reapplication  will  do  no  harm,  as 
the  preparation  is  perfectly  inocuous. 

Scabies  is  to  be  treated  in  the  same  manner ;  in  fact,  all  diseases 
of  the  skin,  supposed  to  be  dependent  on  the  presence  of  parasites, 
are  to  be  treated  after  this  fashion.  Gerlach,  of  the  Royal  Ve- 
terinary School  of  Berlin,  has  made  a  series  of  experiments  with 
various  remedies  for  the  destruction  of  the  itch  parasite,  and  th« 
following  table  shows  the  result  of  his  labors: 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES. 


277 


Creasote,  pure 

Creosote,  1  jiiut") 

Spirit,   10  iiaii.>  - 

M'ater,  M  pan?-j 
t'l^osoto  1  part   I 

\V  iter,  80  partsj 

(  \  -ii  

Cieosote  With  fat  ,  I'rj""; 

Creosote  witli  oi^  |  x"o.!...."!!."...'.!....i 

Iodine,  tincture  of,  pure 

Iodine,  tincture  of,  with  water,  1.4. 
Iodide  of  potassium  with  water,  1.2. 
Iodide  of  potassium  with  water,  1.4.... 
Caustic  potash,  1  part;  24 do, 
Caustic  potash,   1  part 
Water,  li»  parts 

Tar,  -     " 

Hartshorn  oil,    2     " 
Caustic  potash,  1  part  ] 
Water,  KJ  part    ' 

Tar,  2     " 

Hartshorn  oil,  2 

Salphurot  of  (  with  water,  1.10 

poiassiUMi  \with  oil,  1.10 

Chloride  of  lime  with  water,  1.30, 

Ilartsliorn  oil,  pure 

Hartshorn  oil,  with  water,  1.10.... 

Oil  of  turpentine 

Barbadoes  tar 

Tar  (Fix  liquida) 


Dead  in 
Hours.    Miuutes. 


10-20 


Photogeu  -, 


fpure 

(with  oil 


1.5. 


(l.lO  

Concentrated  vinegar,  pure 

Concentrated  vinegar,  with  water  1.1 

Acetic  acid  with  water,  1.1 

Concentrated  sulphuric  acid  f  1.24..  .. 
with  water  1. 1.48 

n.5 

Decoction  of  tobacco  ^  1.10 

(.1.50 

Tessier's  arsenical  bath 


Mathieu's  arsenical  bath 

Over-saturated  solution  of  arsenic  in 
water  l.li 


Green  soap.. 


2^ 
4-10 


Li  luor  ammonia 

Solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  10) 

grams,  one  ounce  / 

Intii^inns  of  henbane,  belladonna,  1 

anil  Persian  inject  powder,  I.IU  J 
Decoction  of  black  and  white  helle- 1 

bore,  1.16  i 

Infusion  of  digatalis,  1.16 

Walz's  lev.  containing  caustic  pot-) 

ash,  hartshorn  oil.  and  tar  J 


2-3 


12-16 

6-36 
24-36 

6-48 


1-1^4, 

3}  ..-5" 

3i<;-7 

5)^-9 

1-2 

4-6 

9 

20-26 

2-2}i 


15-30 


15-30 
3-1 
30 
5-9 
5-9 
8-13 


1-1% 

2-3J4 

2 

7-8 
32-35 
10-20 


15-10 


15-45 


Obsebvations. 


Mathien. 


f  Were  living  7  hours  after 
X     immersion. 


fMathleu. 

J  White  arsenic,  1  part. 

1  Sulphate  of  iron,  10  parts. 

[  Water,  100  parts. 

f  Mathieu. 

I  White  arsenic,  1  pait. 

I  Alum,  10  parts. 

[Water,  100  parts. 
Hertwig. 

(A  dilute    solution    does 
\     not  kill. 

Hertwig. 


Hertw  ig. 


27g  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surger1. 

The  Skin  Diseases  of  Domestic  Animads. 

A  celebrated  writer  on  the  diseases  of  the  skin  of  domesticateti 
animals,  thus  discourses  on  the  subject : 

"  Few  topics  have  engaged  the  attention  of  the  successful  breeder 
of  our  improved  domesticated  animals  more  than  skin  diseases  pro- 
duced hy  insects,  in  consequence  of  the  manner  in  which  both  the 
breeding  and  feeding  qualities  of  stock  are  affected  by  them.  This 
arises  from  the  little  progrc;-?-  scientific  inquiry  has  experimentally 
made  in  the  physiology  of  these  tiny  parasites  by  means  of  the 
microscope,  and  the  consequent  paucity  of  reliable  scientific  works 
on  the  subject.  Hitherto  half  the  conclusions  of  our  veterinary 
surgeons  relative  to  their  natural  history  have  been  drawn  from  the 
traditionary  philosophy  of  our  forefathers,  and  not  from  actual  ex- 
amination, cither  with  the  eye  of  the  modern  physiologist  or  mor- 
bid anatomist;  while  our  entomologists  have  had  too  much  to  do 
to  overtake  the  branches  of  zoological  science,  to  fill  their  cabinets 
with  specimens  of  the  class  in  question — a  class  far  more  varied 
than  the  kingdom  itself,  every  different  race  of  animals  being  not 
only  infested  with  a  different  brood  of  insects  (mites),  but  almost 
every  organic  substance,  animal  and  vegetable. 

A  very  superficial  acquaintance  with  these  facts  must  convince 
the  reader  of  the  importance  of  the  lecture  on  this  subject,  de- 
livered by  Professor  Simonds,  beiore  the  council  of  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Society  of  England,  accompanied  with  drawings, 
exhibited  on  the  wall,  and  specimens  under  his  microscope.  The 
former,  drawn  to  a  greatly  magnified  scale,  illustrated,  in  a  very 
conspicuous  manner,  the  different  stages  of  vitality,  from  the  ovum 
to  the  insect,  in  all  the  vigor  of  matured  life.  But  to  us,  and 
several  other  members  who  examined  them,  the  latter  appeared 
the  most  interesting,  as  nothing  can  exceed  the  fidelity  with  which 
the  microscope  exemplifies  Nature,  though  all  but  invisible  to  the 
naked  eye,  confirming,  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner,  the  sound  • 
ness  of  the  conclusions  at  which  the  Professor  arrived,  differing, 
as  they  did,  in  many  respects,  from  those  hitherto  drawn,  both  by 
veterinary  surgeons  and  entomologists. 

Referring  to  the  report  of  Mr.  Simonds'  first  lecture,  the  task 
which  devolves  upon  us  is  to  apply  it  to  the  daily  practice  of  the 
faiTuer,  so  as  to  profit  by  its  deductions.  These  were  principally 
oontined,  it  will  be  seen,  to  scabies  and  aetrus  in  sheep  and  other 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSDES.  279, 

animals,  with  a  few  observations  on  the  dog-flea  (pulex  canis). 
Scabies  is  a  pestiferous  disease,  whether  it  affects  the  horse,  th« 
ox,  the  sheep,  swine,  or  poultry,  inflicting  a  loss  not  easDy  esti- 
mated; he;jce  the  maxim  of  every  intelligent  farmer  is,  to  avcid. 
With  him  "prevention  is  better  than  cure,"  and,  therefore,  his 
grand  desideratum  is  to  guard  against  contagion.  Sheep  arc,  p<3r- 
liaps,  more  subject  to  it  than  any  of  the  other  animals,  arising  aa 
much  from  the  nature  of  their  skins  and  coats  as  from  the  fecun- 
dity of  the  acarus  ovis,  and  the  greater  vicissitudes  of  the  weather 
to  which  they  (the  sheep)  are  exposed.  Certain  parts  of  the  body 
aie  more  liable  to  be  affected  than  others;  and  so  is  an  unhealthy 
Bkin  than  a  healthy  one.  Indeed,  it  has  been  said  that  an  unheal- 
thy skin  will  itself  produce  scabies  (?),  but  this  conclusion  does 
not  appear  to  be  well  founded ;  for  a  disease  dependent  upon  the 
presence  of  living  parasites  can  never  arise  spontaneously,  but 
must  be  effected  by  contagion,  either  by  means  of  their  eggs,  or 
the  insect  in  some  other  stage  of  its  existence. 

Now,  from  what  has  just  been  said,  it  will  appear  obvious  that 
cleanliness,  a  healthy  skin  and  state  of  the  body,  and  a  separation 
from  foul  animals  and  ground,  are  the  means  necessary  to  avoid 
contagion.  The  truth  of  this  will,  perhaps,  be  better  understood 
if  we  first  review  the  important  distinctions  which  Mr.  Simonda 
makes  between  the  habits  of  the  acarus  scabiei  of  the  human  bodv 
and  the  acari  of  our  domestic  animals,  the  former  burrowing  in 
the  skin,  but  the  latter  living  on  its  surface,  clinging  to  the  skin, 
hair,  or  wool  with  their  trumpet-shaped,  vesicular-cushioned  foet, 
to  prevent  their  being  thrown  off  by  the  animal  when  shaking  or 
nibbling  itself.  Hitherto  distinctions  of  this  kind  have  been  over- 
looked, ^vriters  generally  concluding  that  the  acari  of  quadrupeds 
burrowed  in  the  skin  like  those  of  man,  thus  proving  the  little 
use  which  had  been  made  of  the  microscope  in  examining  the 
former,  as  it  shows  them  to  be  incapable  of  living  in  the  skin, 
from  the  configuration  of  their  bodies.  Indeed,  to  have  made 
similar  acari  for  naked  skins  as  for  those  covered  with  hair,  wool, 
or  feathers  would  have  been  an  oversiglit  on  the  part  of  Nature  j 
while  the  fact  that  the  acarus  scabiei  will  not  live  on  the  horse, 
nor  acjirus  equi  on  man,  or  acarus  ovis  on  the  ox,  or  acarus  bovia 
on  the  sheep,  and  so  on,  proves  that  greater  differences  than  the 
mere  configuration  of  the  animal  structure  exist,  all  pointing  to 
the  above  means  as  necessary,  in  every  case,  to  avoid  so  great  » 


280  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

pest- -one  wliieh  appears  to  form  an  integral  part  of  that  ^.nxm 
inflicted  on  tlie  whole  creation  by  the  fall  of  man. 

The  importance  of  cleanliness,  and  its  concomitant  health.  *o 
prevent  contagion,  may  be  further  illustrated.  We  have  just  seen 
above  that  an  acarus,  although  a  loathsome  pest,  is  yot  very  nice 
in  its  taste,  and  particular  about  a  nidus  in  which  to  dcpo-it  and 
hatch  its  eggs.  It  enjoys  the  liighest  degree  of  prosperity  on  the 
unhealthy  skin,  multiplying  there  fastest;  su  that  if  it  creeps 
from  it  to  the  opposite — the  sleek,  healthy  one  of  the  horse  or  ox, 
or  dry  wool  of  the  sheep — it  feels  itself  from  home,  and,  before  it 
even  reaches  the  skin,  may  be  bruised  or  shaken  off.  If,  however, 
it  creeps  upon  the  unhealthy  animal  with  its  staring  coat,  it  soon 
reaches  the  skin,  and  commences  its  direful  work,  every  thing 
there  being  congenial  to  his  happiness ;  hence  the  incredible 
speed  at  which  it  propagates  its  species,  until  it  either  consumes 
its  victim  alive,  or  is  arrested  at  its  fiital  work  by  the  timely 
unguent  of  the  veterinary  surgeon. 

Again :  when  a  dirty  animal  shakes  itself,  as  it  invariably  does 
afler  rubbing  itself  against  any  thing,  less  or  more  suurf,  dan- 
druff, and  dust  is  thrown  into  the  atmosphere,  and  carried  to  a 
distance  by  high  wind.  Now,  under  such  circumf^rances,  whco 
affected  with  scabies,  it  is  manifest  that  the  smallest  of  these  punf 
Insects,  as  well  as  their  eggs,  will  be  blown  frora  one  pasture  to 
another;  that  the  latter  will  lodge  in  the  dirty  staring  coat  of 
the  unhealthy  animal,  when  they  will  be  blown  off  that  of  the 
clean  sleek  one,  or  be  brushed  off  before  they  reach  the  skin,  or 
any  nidus  capable  of  hatching  them.  In  this  manner  we  can 
trace  contagion  from  one  animal  to  another,  and  thus  account,  in 
harmony  with  entomological  science,  for  what  has  hitherto  been 
termed  sponianeous  cases  of  scabies  in  some  of  our  domesticated 
animals,  while  others  have  escajied  the  disease,  though  all  herd- 
ing together  in  one  field.  "We  can  also  account  for  the  fact  why 
the  disease  is  more  liable  to  break  out  among  sheep  than  horaes 
and  cattle,  without  coming  in  contact  with  strange  flocks,  because 
the  coats  of  the  latter  are  more  likely  to  be  impregnated  with 
eggs  than  those  of  the  former,  while  they  afford  a  better  nidus  foi 
hatching  them. 

With  '•e'yard  to  health,  it  has  even  been  said  that  the  bkW  of 
scabbed  animals  is  diseased  ;  nay.  that  the  blood  of  all  animal'=>  ig 
loaded,  more  or  less   with  the  eggs  of  acari,  and  that  they  are 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES. 

hatched  under  certain  cutaneous  affections,  thus  accounting  f>it 
spontaneous  cases  differently  from  the  atmospheric  distribution  of 
eggs.  Hence  the  reason  why  sulphur  and  mercury  are  takeiij 
internally  as  well  as  externally,  to  get  rid  of  the  disease.  But 
this  sanguiferous  doctrine  of  distribution  is  more  difficult  to  re- 
concile with  entomological  science  than  the  atmospheric  one. 

Contagion  by  direct  contact  of  clean  animals  with  diseased,  or 
where  the  former  enter  foul  ground,  will  be  difficult  to  avoid  so 
long  as  the  commerce  of  live  farm  stock  is  conducted  as  at  present; 
for  diseased  animals  will  be  sent  to  market,  although  contrary  to 
the  spirit  of  the  law,  thus  not  only  communicating  the  disease  to 
all  they  come  in  contact  with,  but  also  infecting  the  market-place. 
According  to  the  experiments  made  by  Mr.  Simonds,  acari  left 
upon  a  post,  hurdle,  or  hedge  by  a  scabbed  beast  will  survive 
for  fourteen  days,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  lay  hold  of  any 
animal  coming  in  contact  with  it,  and  thus  communicate  the  dis- 
ease ;  consequently  our  weekly  and  fortnightly  markets  are  little 
better,  during  the  warm  months  of  summer,  than  nests  for  pro- 
pagating malignant  parasites.  It  would  be  well,  then,  if  very 
stringent  statutes  were  enacted,  confiscating  all  diseased  animah 
offered  for  sale,  and  that  microscopical  examinations  were  enforces 
in  all  suspicious  cases,  so  as  to  guarantee  its  healthy  operation. 
It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  means  for  preventing  contagion  may 
be  summed  up  in  tw^o  words — improved  management. 

At  a  very  early  period  in  our  history,  acarus  scabiei  was  much 
raore  common  among  our  forefathers  than  among  their  posterity 
('f  the  present  day.  The  change  which  has  taken  ])lace  is  obvi- 
ously attributable  to  progress  in  dietetics,  clothing,  and  medicine; 
and  among  our  domesticated  animals  it  is  no  more  than  reasona- 
ble to  conclude  that  similar  causes  will  produce  similar  effects. 
In  point  of  fact,  improved  management  has  already  greatly  re- 
duced the  prevalence  of  scabies  among  both  our  herds  and  flocks, 
thus  holding  out  every  encouragement  to  jiorsevere  in  obtaining 
further  progress.  There  is,  perhaps,  no  branch  of  husbandry 
where  greater  advances  can  be  made  than  in  cattle-cookery,  house- 
hold accommodation,  including  grooming,  etc.,  and  medifine;  and 
when  we  contemplate  how  nmch  cutaneous  diseases  are  dependent 
on  management  in  each  of  these  three  respects,  it  were  difficult  to 
estimate  what  influence  further  improvements  in  them  may  lara 
on  the  disease  in  question.** 


^Si:  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SDIIGERI. 


Lice  on  Horses. 

Lice,  in  a  majority  of  cases,  may  be  attribuloJ  to  want  of  cltaa- 
liuess ;  for  they  are  rarely  if  ever  seeu  ou  the  body  of  au  animal 
with  clean  skin.  Brush  and  curry-comb,  and  clean  stables,  are, 
therefore;  the  })reventives. 

A  short  time  ago  I  had  occasion  to  visit  a  stable,  locattd  iu 
Waukegan,  111.  There  I  saw  a  horse  almost  perfectly  hairless,  tx- 
ce])t  the  mane  and  tail.  I  asked  the  owner  what  occasioned  the 
depilation  of  the  hair.  He  informed  me  that  the  horse's  b:,dy  was 
completely  infested  with  lice;  that  he  had  tried  all  sorts  of  rem- 
edies without  success,  and,  at  last,  thought  he  would  try  kerosene 
oil,  and,  accordingly,  rubbed  the  body  all  over  with  it,  using  about 
two  quarts.  He  said  "  it  killed  all  the  lice,  but  came  very  near 
killing  the  horse.  It  made  him  perfectly  crazy ;  his  limbs  became 
swollen  to  the  proportions  of  a  young  elephant,  and  the  hair  a(l 
feU  off." 

The  remedy  I  have  found  most  efficacious  is  composed  of 

No.  30.  Crude  cod-iiver  oil 1  pint. 

Pulverized  lobelia 2  oz. 

Mix. 

This  should  be  thoroughly  rubbed  all  over  the  body  by  means 
of  a  stiff  brush ;  at  the  expiration  of  four  hours,  carefully  wash 
the  horse  all  over  with  soft  soap  and  warm  water.  It  may  be 
necessary  to  make  a  second  and  even  a  third  application,  on  suc- 
cessive days,  ere  the  parasites  are  all  killed.  The  parasites  can  be 
seen  with  the  naked  eye ;  therefore  the  owner  of  the  horse  niiLst. 
be  the  judge  as  regards  the  number  of  applications  needed. 

At  a  meeting  of  a  Farmer's  Club,  "Lice"  formed  the  subjctl 
for  discussion.  Dr.  J.  R.  Smith  explained  that  lice,  as  well  as 
all  similar  insects,  breathe  through  holes  in  the  body.  Them 
holes  are  minute  spirules,  constantly  kept  open  by  an  elastic  ring., 
and  surrounded  by  a  fringe  of  extremely  delicate  hair,  which  pre- 
vent.>;  the  intrusion  of  any  solid  particles.  To  kill  the  insect  i< 
is  only  necessary  to  close  these  breathing-holes,  and  this  is  done 
by  smearing  them  with  any  kind  of  grease  or  oil.  You  may 
catch  a  caterpillar  and  examine  him  with  a  magnifying  glass,  antf 
you  will  find  these  spirules  arranged  in  twc  rows,  one  on  each 
eide  ;  <hen,  if  yon  take  a  moth  or  butterfly,  yoy   will    find   the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.  283 

breathing-holes  in  the  body  corresponding  witli  those  in  the  body 
of  the  caterpillar  from  which  it  was  produced — the  same  body,  in 
fact,  remaining  after  the  wings  arc  developed.  If  you  dip  a  featlier 
in  oil,  and  smear  the  two  spirules  nearest  the  tail,  the  lower  por- 
tion of  the  body  will  be  ])aralyzcd  so  far  as  these  holes.  Proccfd- 
ing  upward,  you  may  paralyze  the  whole  body  until  you  come  to 
the  last  two,  which  are  situated  just  below  the  jaws.  So  long  as 
these  renain  open,  the  insect  will  continue  to  breathe,  but  if  these 
Arc  now  closed,  he  dies  immediately.  To  exterminate  lice  upoc 
any  animal,  it  is  only  necessary  to  cover  the  animal  completely 
with  grease  or  oil.  The  simplest  and  cheapest  oil  is  best — lard, 
fish  oil,  or  any  other  that  is  at  hand.  When  the  lice  have  not 
becoiiie  so  numerous  as  to  produce  the  disease  known  as  pityriasis, 
or  m  mge,  this  application,  undoubtedly,  is  the  best  that  can  be 
used.  In  addition  to  being  effective,  it  is  perfectly  harmless. 
Stock  breeders  should  always  recollect  that  prevention  shows  wis- 
dom, .  nd  saves  annoyance  and  expense :  and,  by  neatness,  cleanli- 
ness and  comfort,  the  health  of  the  animal  will  be  insured,  and  the 
animals  will  not  become  infested  with  the  troublesome  parasites. 
Poultry  lice  affecting  horses. — Horses,  when  located  near  a  hen- 
roost, are  apt  to  be  infested  with  poultry  lice.  The  remedy  is  the 
same  as  in  the  case  of  the  common  louse. 

DiSF.ASES   OF  THE   ITeELS  (GrRASE,   SCUATCIIES,   "  "WaTEB 

Farcy,"  "Weed  Shot,"  "Milk  Leg"). 

In  olden  times  grease,  or  scratches,  and  cracked  heels,  were  not 
only  very  prevalent  but  very  formidable  affections.  Before 
veterinary  surgeons  were  employed  in  the  British  Army,  many 
thousands  of  valuable  horses  were  condemned  as  useless  for  active 
service  in  consequence  of  the  prevalence  of  that  loathsome  affec- 
tion known  as  inveterate  grease ;  but  now,  in  consequence  of  the 
presence  of  veterinary  surgeons,  and  the  consequent  improved 
system  of  management  in  camp  and  stable,  grease  is  almost  un- 
known. Most  veterinary  writers  contend  that  grease  almost 
always  arises  from  im{)roper  management  of  the  horse,  yet  I  have 
seen  it  occur  in  horses  that  were  well  cared  for  and  properly 
treated.  The  truth  is,  some  horses  are  })redisposed  to  affections 
of  tbe  skin  of  the  heels  and  the  sebaceous  glands  of  the  same; 
and,  altnough  cleanliness  and  good  management  may  stave  off  an 
attack  for  a  long  while,  yet  when  the  system  abounds  in  morl)i6c 


284  DADDS  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

matter,  the  same  is  very  apt  to  gravitate  toward  the  heels,  (ihej 
being  most  remote  from  the  center  of  circulation,)  inducing  in- 
flammaticm  of  the  skin  of  the  heels,  distension  of  the  sebaceous 
glands,  and  a  stinking  and  unhealthy  deposit  on  the  surface,  and 
a  purulent  discharge  through  ulcerated  cracks.  This  constitutes 
grease. 

Cause. — It  is  contended  by  Mr.  Blain  and  others  that  grease 
lias  local  weakness  for  a  cause.  As  fluids  press,  not  in  proportion 
to  their  diameter,  but  to  the  height  of  their  column,  the  venous 
blood  must  find  some  difficulty  to  its  ascent.  Debility  is,  there- 
fore, more  felt  in  the  distended  vessels  remote  from  the  influence 
of  the  heart,  under  which  circumstance  the  effects  productive  of 
grease  necessarily  ensue.  Some  horses  are  constantly  the  sub- 
jects of  swelled  legs,  and,  if  the  heels  happen  to  be  accidentally 
abraded,  the  latter  often  operates  as  the  exciting  cause  of  a  very 
formidable  affection  of  the  heels.  Associated  with  swelled  legs  i? 
a  scurfiness  of  the  skin  beneath  the  fetlock.  These  conditions, 
together  with  the  fact  that  the  animal  is  of  the  lymphatic  temper- 
ament (gray  color),  are  sure  indications  that  predisposition  to 
maladies  of  the  above  character  are  present.  Having  such  Ijorsea 
under  our  care,  the  chief  object  should  be  to  ward  off  an  attu,ck,  by 
dietetic  and  hygienic  measures.  I'oo  much  washing  of  the  heels, 
without  drying  them  by  rubbing,  is  just  about  as  bad  as  if  the 
filth  was  allowed  to  remain.  The  practice  chills  the  part  by  a  pro- 
cess of  slow  evaporation,  and  the  result  is  local  congestion,  etc. 

I  now  propose  to  illustrate,  for  the  benefit  of  the  reader, 
the  treatment  of  grease  or  scratches.  I  was  requested  to  see 
a  gray  gelding,  the  property  of  the  Transfer  Company  of  St. 
Louis.  On  arrival,  I  examined  the  animal,  and  found  him  to  be 
a  large,  flabbily-organized  creature,  having  a  large  amount  of 
loose  tissue  under  the  skin.  I  found  that  there  was  a  bad  odor 
aiisinjr  from  some  ulcerations  and  exudations  about  the  heels  and 
yAes  of  the  same  Intermediate  of  the  ulcers  were  dry,  horny 
scabs ;  the  hair  about  the  parts  pointed  straight  out ;  the  heel  was 
excessively  tender,  quite  vascular,  and  blood  escaped  from  ita 
vessels.  The  moment  a  hand  was  placed  u})on  the  locality,  the 
animal  would  catch  up  the  limb  and  appear  to  suffer  much  pain. 

Treatment. — In  the  first  place,  I  had  the  parts  well  cleansed 
with  soap  and  water;  then,  after  wiping  them  dry,  they  were  wet- 
ted, throe  times  daily,  with  a  portion  of  the  following  solution: 


mSEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES  28fi 

No.  31.  Nitrate  of  potass  (saltpeter) 2  oi. 

Water 1  pt. 

Glycerine 4  oz. 

Every  time  the  solution  was  applied,  the  parts  were  dusted  with 
jmlverized  charcoal.  This  charcoal,  completely  covering  the 
abraded  parts,  and  being  a  good  antiseptic,  had  an  excellent  eflbct 
in  excluding  atmos])heric  air,  and  in  correcting  feted  odor.  I 
administered,  as  an  alterative,  to  correct  the  morbid  habit, 

No.  32.  Iodide  of  potass 20  gr. 

Sulphur 4  dr. 

Powdered  sassafras  bark 2  dr. 

Gentian > 1  dr. 

These  were  mixed  in  food,  and  the  same  quantity  was  given 
during  a  period  of  four  days,  and  the  dressings  were  also  contin- 
uetl.  On  the  lifth  day  the  animal  had  very  much  improved,  stood 
fair  on  the  foot,  and  seemed  to  suffer  but  very  little  pain.  The 
limb  was  somewhat  swollen,  partly  from  want  of  use,  and  other- 
wise from  slight  effusion  into  the  cellular  tissue.  I  discontinued 
the  medicine,  and  ordered  the  following  mixture,  to  be  applied 
twice  daily: 

No.  33.  Pyroliirncous  acid I  , 

c4loil {equal  parts. 

Af\er  each  ap})lication  the  charcoal  was  reap2)lied. 

The  following  ca.se  serves  to  illustrate  that  the  virus  of  grease 
(an  be  transmitted  from  horse  to  man : 

Transmission  of  the  Virus  of  Grease  from  the  Horse  to  JTan,—- 
I)rs.  Maunoury  and  PiciiOThave  j<nbli.shcd  an  irtcrcsting  seriea 
of  experiments,  tending  to  })rove  the  identity  of  grea.se  and  cow- 
pox.  This  doctrine,  which  was  always  maintained  by  Jenneb, 
has  received  confirmation  from  the  observations  of  Lo"i ,  GoDlNE, 
and  others.  The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  facts,  related  by 
Tire  Maunoury  and  Piciiot: 

"  Francis  Barthelemy  B ,  aged  twenty-eighty  of  lymph.itic 

temperament,  a  farrier,  presented  himself  to  Dr.  Pichot  on  tho 
5th  of  Maich,  185fi.  He  had  not  been  vaccinated.  On  the  backs 
of  his  hands,  which  were  red  and  swollen,  were  several  confluent 
opaline  pustules,  depressed  in  their  center,  and  having  all  the 
appearance  of  vaccine  pustules  of  the  eight  or  ninth  day.  The 
inflanniation  with  which  the  pustules  were  surrounded  had  ap- 


'liHJ  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

peared  on  the  second;  the  pustules  themselves  preceded  the  m- 
flammation  some  days.  This  man  had  not  been  in  contact  with 
any  cow,  but  on  the  11th  of  February  he  had  shod  a  horse  suffer- 
ing from  grease.  There  existed,  at  the  time,  numerous  cracki 
about  the  hands.  The  di^aase  from  which  the  horse  was  suffering 
was  certified  by  a  qualified  veterinarian.  Various  inoculations 
weie  practiced  with  the  liquid  taken  from  the  pustules  preGented 

•y  B ,  with  the  effect  of  reproducing  the  same  disease.     The 

most  perfect  set  of  experiments  were  made  bv  M.  Maunoury,  who 
transmitted  the  virus  through  four  sets  of  cases.  The  following 
are  the  results  of  his  observations : 

1.  That  virus  obtained  from  the  hands  of  the  farrier  B— — , 
£ind  inoculated  on  the  arm  of  an  infant,  produced  a  full  pustule, 
having  all  the  character  of  <>  vaccine  pustule — form,  evolutiot, 
termination. 

2.  That  lymph  taken  from  this  pustule,  and  inoculated  on  the 
arm  of  three  persons,  had  produced  identical  pustules,  which  are 
truly  vaccine. 

3.  That  the  transmission  of  the  virus  by  successive  generationa 
has  not  diminished  the  intensity  of  the  force  of  the  poison.  One 
of  the  set  of  cases  presented  large  pustules,  depressed  in  the  centei , 
and  filled  with  matter;  each  pustule  served  for  several  inocu- 
lations and  the  charging  of  several  sets  of  glasses. 

4.  That  from  these  facts  it  is  evident  that  the  virus  taken  from 
the  pustules  of  the  farrier  was  identical  with  the  vaccine."  * 

Surfeit. 

The  term  surfeit  is  used  to  designate  an  eruptive  affection  of 
the  skin,  which  usually  makes  its  appearance  very  suddenly 
There  is  nothing  dangerous  about  it,  and  it  sometimes  disappears^ 
m  the  course  of  a  few  hours,  without  any  medical  treatment.  It 
usually  appears  in  warm  weather,  and  especially  among  horsea 
that  are  in  a  state  of  plethora,  from  the  use  of  a  large  quantity 
of  meal,  or  what  is  known  as  cut  feed. 

Symptoms. — A  horse  may  be  taken  out  of  the  stable  apparently 
in  perfect  health,  except  that  he  is  fat,  and,  after  being  driven  a 

*  Qenerales  de  Mcdeciue,  April,  1857  pp.  865  898,  from  the  British  and  For 
iign  Medical  Chiurgical  Review. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.      '  287 

»hort  distance,  he  is  brought  back  with  his  neck  and  sides  covered 
with  blotches  or  elevations.  On  pressing  them  with  the  fingers 
they  crepitate,  showing  that  they  are  gaseous  elevations  or  disten- 
sions, originating  in  the  cellular  tissue  beneath  the  skin,  from  the 
spontaneous  generation  of  gas.  The  gas  probably  arises  from  fer- 
mentation of  the  food,  and  instead  of  accumulating  in  the  intes- 
tines, finds  its  way  to  the  surface  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Dissolve  two  ounces  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  in  one 
pint  of  warm  water,  and  drench  the  animal  with  the  same.  Then 
sponge  the  body  with  a  portion  of  the  following  surfeit  lotion : 

No.  34.  Aqua  ammonia 2  oz. 

Animal  glycerine 1  oz. 

Water 1  quart. 

If  taken  in  time,  the  affection  will  disappear  in  a  few  hours.  The 
patient  should  be  kept  on  bran-mashes,  well  salted,  for  a  few  days; 
or  a  couple  of  weeks'  run  at  grass,  if  the  season  permits,  will  be 
of  great  service. 

,  Dropsical  Limbs  (Sweli.ed  Lkgs,  ''  Stocking  "). 

It  is  a  very  serious  annoyance  to  the  owner  of  a  valuable  horse 
to  find  that,  after  the  animal  has  been  standing  in  the  stable  for 
only  a  period  of  twelve  hours,  his  hind  limbs  have  wonderfully 
increased  in  size;  and  equally  mortifying  is  it  to  see  some  animals 
with  their  limbs  continually  tumefied,  and  without  any  other  ap- 
parent sign  of  disease. 

Dropsy  of  the  limbs  generally  proceeds  from  congestion.  The 
serum,  or  more  fluid  part  of  the  blood,  transudes  through  the  walla 
of  the  blood-vessels,  and  accumulates  in  the  cellular  tissue,  under 
the  skin.  But  dropsy  takes  place  not  only  in  consequence  of 
venous  congestion,  but  accompanies  very  many  forms  of  disease, 
such  as  scarletina,  influenza,  farcy ;  and  the  cure  of  such  diseases 
also  accomplishes  the  cure  of  dropsy. 

Causes. — The  cause  of  that  form  of  dropsical  limbs  which 
seems  to  occur  without  any  other  visible  disease  is  now  the  sub- 
ject for  consideration.  AMien  a  horse's  limbs  swell  persistently, 
after  a  few  hours'  rest,  and  disappears  under  exercise,  we  may 
Infer  that  there  exists  a  dro}>sical  diathesis  in  his  system;  that,  by 
virtue  of  his  constitution,  he  is  predisposed ;  and  such  cases  are 
designated  as  chronic  local  dropsy. 


288  DAt>DS   VETEKlNAUr   MLDICIME  AND  SURGERY. 

Treatment. — The  remedies  are  haud-rubbing,  exercise,  and  stim 
alatiug  liuimeut.  The  best  liniment  fcr  'ocal  dropsy  of  this  cha^ 
acter  Is  as  follows : 

No.  35.  Fluid  extract  of  wormwc<.d 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger 3  oz. 

Spirits  of  camphor 1  pint. 

Rub  the  region  of  tumefaction  with  a  portion  of  this  linimenl 
every  night. 

When  swelling  of  the  limbs  do  not  assume  a  periodical  char- 
acter, and  suspicion  of  predisposition  can  not  be  entertained,  then, 
in  addition  to  the  application  of  the  liniment,  give  the  animal, 
morning  and  evening,  one  ounce  of  the  fluid  extract  of  buchu. 


Scarlatina  (Scarlet  Fever). 

Scarlet  fever,  or  scarletina,  as  it  occurs  among  horses  in  the 
United  States,  is  a  febrile  disease  of  a  very  prostrating  character  j 
yet  it  is  not  considered  by  the  author  a  contagious  malady.  L 
has  only  lately,  however,  been  recognized  in  this  country  as  a  dis« 
tinct  equine  disease,  and,  being  of  rather  rare  occurrence,  we  kno^ 
but  little  about  it.  The  cases  that  have  come  under  the  author's 
treatment  were  unattended  by  ulceration  of  the  throat,  and  this 
may  account  for  the  non-contagion ;  for,  in  the  human  subject, 
when  ulceration  of  the  throat  takes  place,  the  case  becomes  ma- 
lignant. 

Watson  says :  "  The  malignant  sore  throat  may  be  caught 
from  a  patient  who  has  mild  scarlet  fever ;  and  mild  scarlet  fever 
may,  in  like  manner,  be  contracted  from  one  who  is  suifering 
Dnder  the  malignant  sore  throat.  The  two  forms  graduate  insen- 
sibly, in  different  cases,  toward  each  other ;  and  it  would  be  im- 
possible, even  if  it  were  desirable,  to  draw  any  strict  line  of 
separation  between  them.  Many  would  say,  and  probably  with 
truth,  that  the  difference  was  this :  in  the  one  form,  tL  3  poison  cf 
the  disorder  is  seeking  its  vent,  principally,  by  the  throat;  in  the 
other,  by  the  skin."  It  appears,  therefore,  that  in  the  human 
subject  the  disease  is  capable  of  being  communicated  at  any  stage. 

The  cases  that  have  come  under  the  author's  notice  since  he  first 
recognized  the  malady  have  all  been  of  a  mild  form ;  that  is  to 
say,  non-malignant.  The  limbs,  sheath,  and  pectoral  regions  were 
excessively  dropsical;  the  skin  wah  the  seat  cf  rash  or  mhuite  «Jf  • 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.  28& 

rations,  and  scarlet  spots  or  patches  were  always  present  on  the 
visible  surfaces  of  the  mouth  and  nostrils ;  yet  the  patients  always 
drank  and  ate  mashes  freely,  which  they  could  not  have  done  so 
readily  had  their  throats  been  sore  and  ulcerated. 

The  author  would  intimate,  however,  that,  should  the  disease 
ever  become  malignant  in  the  horse,  it  may  also  become,  as  in  the 
human  subject,  contagious  and  infectious.  Perhaps  the  rcasoa 
why  it  has  not  attained  a  malignant  type  in  this  country  is,  be- 
CAHse  it  is  of  recent  origin ;  whereas,  among  the  members  of  the 
human  family,  scarlatina  has  been  known  to  exist  for  several 
hundred  years,  and  may  have  acquired  intensity  and  malignancy 
with  age.  In  anticipation  of  such  an  event,  the  author  recom- 
mends that  scarlet-fever  patients  be  separated  from  other  inmates 
of  the  stable. 

The  following  case  is  from  the  author's  note-book,  and  may 
serve  to  instruct  the  reader  on  the  theory  and  practice  of  the 
malady :  A  short  time  ago,  a  bay  gelding,  aged  about  nine  years, 
was  admitted  into  the  Chicago  Infirmary.  On  examination,  the 
following  symptoms  were  observed: 

S^mptovis. — The  hair  about  the  neck  and  fore  and  hind  limbs 
was  elevated  in  blotches,  with  corresponding  elevations  on  the 
skin  beneath ;  the  membranes  within  the  cavities  of  the  nostrils 
had  scarlet  spots,  variable  in  size ;  all  the  limbs  were  more  or  less 
swollen ;  the  breath  was  hot  and  fetid ;  the  animal  was  unsteady 
in  his  gait,  apparently  very  weak ;  had  great  thirst,  yet  little  ap- 
petite. The  elevations  on  the  surface  of  the  body,  and  the  scarlet 
spots  o'a  the  nasal  membrane,  constituted  the  diagnostic  symptoms 
'^f  scarlet  fever. 

Treatment — During  the  first  three  days,  I  drenched  the  animal 
■R-ith  three  ounces  of  liquor  acetate  of  ammonia,  in  an  equal  quan- 
tity of  cold  water.  The  elevations  on  the  surface  of  the  body 
were  sponged  once  a  day  with  a  lotion  composed  of  two  out 368 
cf  aqua  ammonia  and  one  quart  of  rain-water.  A  sloppy  bran- 
mash  was  occasionally  furnished,  of  which  the  patient  partook 
freely.  This  tended  to  keep  the  bowels  loose,  and  moderate  the 
febrile  symptoms.  On  the  fourth  day  all  the  limbs  became  very 
much  swollen,  from  dropsical  effusions,  whidi  feature  of  the  caso 
Lb  very  apt  to  present  itself.  I  now  changed  the  treatment — 
emitted  the  lotion  bathing,  and  gave,  night  and  morning,  two- 
onuce  doses  of  compound  fluid  extract  of  buchu  and  juniper  ber- 
19 


29C  DADiyS  VETERINARY  MEDICIIvE  AND  SURGERY 

ries.  A  slight  discharge  of  glairy  mucus  now  commenced  runniug 
from  both  nostrils ;  the  scarlet  spots  had  become  more  diiFused,  and 
of  a  brighter  tint;  the  appetite  had  returned,  and  a  few  oats  and 
a  amall  quantity  of  hay  were  occasionally  allowed,  which  were 
eaten.  The  limbs  wtre  hand-rubbed  often,  and  the  body  waa 
clothed  with  warm  blankets.  This  treatment  was  followed  up  for 
a  period  of  five  days,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  had  improved 
7ery  much,  yet  the  limbs  were  considerably  swollen. 

On  the  tenth  day  I  commenced  to  give  four  ounces  of  fluid  ex- 
tract of  resin-weed  per  day,  with  an  occasional  dose  of  fluid  extract 
of  golden  seal,  under  which  treatment  he  convalesced  very  rapidly, 
so  that  on  the  sixteenth  day  all  medicine  was  discontinued.  I  now 
turned  the  animal  into  a  small  inclosure,  where  he  seemed  to  taka 
pleasure  in  rolling  and  exercising  himself,  which  had  the  efiect 
of  reducing  the  dropsical  swelling  of  the  limbs,  and  on  the  fourth 
of  December  the  patient  was  sent  home — not  exactly  to  go  to  work, 
but  to  receive  care  and  attention  until  he  had  recovered  from  the 
eflccts  of  the  disease,  and  had  gained  his  ordinary  strength. 

It  is  very  difficult  to  say  to  what  extent  scarlet  fever  among 
horses  prevails  in  the  United  States ;  for  veiy  little,  if  any  thing, 
has  ever  appeared  in  print  of  American  origin,  except  that  which 
has  appeared  from  the  pen  of  the  author  of  this  work.  On  the 
other  side  of  the  water,  however,  the  disease  is  of  frequent  oc- 
currence, and  is  well  understood.  The  first  account  of  it  published 
in  England  was  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  PERcrvALL,  in  the  year  1843, 
who  says  that  "  the  existence  of  scarlet  fever  has  received  such 
confirmation  from  other  quarters  as  to  leave  no  doubt  in  my  mind 
that,  rare  as  the  malady  acknowledgedly  is,  and  hitherto  unde- 
scribcd  as  it  has  remained,  it  will  one  day  find  a  place  in  our  es- 
tablished veterinary  nosology." 

Since  the  above  date,  Surgeon  Hayoock  and  several  other 
writers  have  noticed  the  disease,  treated  it,  and  minutely  described 
its  symptoms.  They  all  agree  that  when  the  disease  does  nxakh 
its  appearance,  it  is  usually  the  sequel  of  epidemic  catarrh,  or  in- 
fluenza ;  and  this  was  probably  the  case  regarding  the  patient  the 
subject  of  this  paper,  for  the  owner  informed  me  that  the  animal 
had  previously  shown  symptoms  of  distemper. 


DISEASE..  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-xISSUES.  291 


Ringworm. 

This  disease  usually  makes  its  appearance  on  the  shoulders  and 
Bides  of  the  horse,  in  the  form  of  circular  patches,  attended  by 
Bcurfiness  and  loss  of  hair.  Small  vesicular  eruptions  can  also  be 
detected,  by  meaus  of  a  magnifying  glass.  It  is  usually  sponta- 
neous in  its  origin,  but  probably  is  generated  by  filth. 

Treatment, — In  view  of  treating  the  disease  successfully,  the 
txtdy  should  be  well  cleansed  with  soap  and  water,  and  afterward 
Tabbed  dry ;  then  apply  daily,  by  means  of  a  sponge,  a  portion  of 
die  following : 

No.  36.  Powdered  sulphate  of  iron 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  bloodroot 2  oz. 

Eain-wuter 1  quart. 

iMix. 

Givf ,  as  an  alterative,  half  an  ounce  of  the  fluid  extract  of  man 
drake,  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  night  and  morning. 

When  the  disease  has  been  neglected,  the  parts  are  apt  to  ul- 
cerate; in  that  event,  the  following  preparation  is  recommended* 

No.  37.  Pyroligneous  acid 6  oz. 

Liuseed  oil 5  oz. 

Spirits  of  camphor 2  oz. 

Mix. 

Dress  the  ulcerations  twice  daily. 

A  liberal  supply  of  cut  grass,  sliced  potatoes,  or  carrots  should 
be  allowed,  if  they  can  be  obtained.  Particular  attention  should 
be  paid  to  the  matter  of  keeping  the  skin  clean.  The  treatment 
must  be  continued  until  all  vestiges  of  the  disease  have  disappeared, 
or  it  may  break  out  again. 


Prurigo  (Called  also  the  "Itch"). 

This  is  a  disease  of  the  skin,  accompanied  by  a  terribly  annoy- 
ing itching  sensation.  The  torment  experii:nced  by  animals  suf- 
fering under  this  form  of  malady  is  scarcely  describable.  They 
often  rub  and  abrade  the  skin  until  blood  appears  on  the  surface, 
and  they  are  rendered  perfectly  miserable.  There  are  said  to  be 
various  forms  of  prurigo,  but  they  do  not  differ  in  kind,  only  in 
degree.  Heat  aggravates  the  malady ;  therefore  horses  located  in 
d  warm  and  un ventilated  stable  are  apt  to  suffer  most.     And  tha 


29S  DADD'S  VE^ERINAKf  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

same  remarks  apply  to  many  other  forms  of  disease,  which  showi 
how  important  it  is  that  stables  should  be  properly  ventilated. 

Symptoms. — The  skin  in  those  parts  where  the  affection  is  lo- 
cated shows  on  its  surface  small  elevations,  known  as  papulae ;  but 
they  are  difficult  to  discover  in  some  horses,  as  they  are  of  the  same 
tint  as  the  skin.  After  awhile  the  rubbing  tears  away  the  summiv* 
of  the  papulae,  and  a  secretion  exudes  which  soon  forma  very  minute 
bcabs. 

During  the  past  four  years  the  disease  has  prevailed  very  exten- 
lively  among  army  horses,  and  it  usually  proved  very  obstinate, 
from  the  fact  that  very  few  of  the  army  farriers  understood  its 
true  nature ;  neither  were  they  acquainted  with  the  modus  operandi 
of  treatment.  The  authorities  contend  that  prurigo  is  not  a  con- 
tagious affection,  like  itch  and  mange,  and,  therefore,  it  may  be 
classed  as  a  local  affection,  brought  on  by  inattention  to  cleanlines;^ 
In  order  to  prevent  it,  the  author  advises  a  ft*ee  use  of  the  brush 
and  curry -cOmb. 

Treatment. — The  best  mode  of  treatment  is  as  follows.  Sponge 
the  affected  parts  thoroughly  with  the  following  lotion : 

No.  38.  Powdered  borax. 4  oz. 

Kain-water 2  quarts. 

After  using  the  above  quantity,  at  one  or  two  dressings,  then 
rub  the  affected  regions  dry,  and  lubricate  thp  «»arae  with  a  por- 
tion of  the  following : 

No.  39.  KeroseDe  oil 4  oz. 

Pyroligneous  acid 12  oz. 

Mix. 

It  is  usually  good  policy  to  put  the  patient  under  a  course  ot 
a'terative  treatment;  therefore  the  author  recommends  that  he 
have,  daily,  thirty  grains  of  iodide  of  potass,  dissolved  in  four 
ounces  of  water,  to  be  given  in  the  form  of  drench,  every  day,  un- 
til tl»e  disease  has  disappeared. 

Poll-evil 

Th(;  name  of  this  disease  originated  in  England,  in  consequence 
of  it  being  more  prevalent  in  that  country  than  in  some  others ; 
hence,  was  a  great  evil,  and  occurring  about  the  nape  of  the  neck 
or  region  of  the  poll,  it  was  called  "  poll-evil."     Much  of  the  poll- 


DISEASES  OP  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.  298 

tvil  ycurring  in  former  years  was  unnecessary,  and  occurred  in 
consequence  of  neglect,  injuries,  and  abuse.  The  disease  first 
makes  its  appearance  in  the  form  of  a  local  tumor,  of  an  inflam» 
matory  character.  Soon  it  runs  into  the  suppurative  stage;  pus 
or  matter  is  secreted,  and  we  tlien  have  a  common  abscess,  which 
may  result  in  fistula  of  the  poll. 

Gniscs — The  disease  may  arise  from  blows  and  bruises.  Horses 
when  located  in  low-roofed  stables  are  apt  to  strike  the  poll  against 
the  ceiling,  or  a  beam,  or  the  upper  part  of  the  doorway,  and  fre- 
quent repetition  of  the  act  either  ends  in  induration  (hardening) 
■>r  poll-abscess.  Some  grooms  are  in  the  habit  of  occasionally 
jerking  the  animal's  head  by  means  of  the  halter,  and  some  horsess 
are  very  restless  in  the  stall,  and  are  often  seen  to  jerk  their  heads 
upward,  forgetting  that  they  have  any  halter  around  their  necks, 
until  they  feel  the  pain  which  they  themselves  inflicted.  The  in- 
jury, slight  as  it  may  be,  often  remains  undiscovered  or  unattended 
to  until  considerable  tumefaction  or  even  suppuration  has  set  ui. 
The  case  may  then  become  protracted,  and  exhaust  the  jjuticnce 
of  all  concerned.  Excessive  friction  on  the  nape  of  the  neck  frjm 
oridle  or  halter,  or  pressure  from  either  one  of  these  causes,  pro- 
duces poll-evil ;  and  the  halter,  by  being  fastened  too  tightly,  is  a 
fertile  cause  in  producing  this  affection.  Dirt  and  filth  are  oper- 
ative, also,  in  producing  this  malady.  It  is  well  known  that  the 
poll  is  a  part  which  very  seldom  makes  the  acquaintance  of  the 
brush  or  curry-comb,  yet  it  is  the  locality  of  considerable  dust  and 
scurf;  and  sometimes,  owing  to  accumulations  of  the  same,  a  cu- 
taneous eruption  arises,  and  the  itching  sensation  consequent  causes 
the  horse  to  fret  and  rub  whenever  he  can  get  a  chance.  The  evil 
goes  on,  until  what  was  at  first  superficial  now  becomes  deep- 
seated.  The  bungling  and  cruel  manner  of  sometimes  forcing  a 
small  collar  on  a  large  horse  often  does  mischief,  and  lays  the 
foundation  for  poll-evil.  Some  persons  are  in  the  habit  of  bracing 
the  horse's  head  downward  with  the  martingale,  so  as  to  bring  the 
lips  and  chest  in  close  proximity,  yet  forget  that  the  strain  comes 
on  the  j)oll  and  bruises  the  soft  parts. 

Treatniait. — Should  the  tumor  be  discovered  in  its  early  stage, 
before  matter  has  formed,  the  parts  should  be  bathed  often  with  a 
portion  of  vinegar  and  water,  equal  parts;  or  else  a  cold-water 
dressing  or  pad  may  be  applied,  which  should  be  reapplied  as  fast 
iS  it  bccomoi:  dry      Half  an  ounce  of  powdered  chlorate  of  potasi 


21^4  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

bhoukl  be  given  night  and  morning.  This  may  be  dissolved  U 
naif  a  bucket  of  water,  which  the  horse  will  drink.  In  the  course 
of  a  couple  of  days,  the  practitioner  will  be  able  to  determine 
whether  or  not  the  tumor  is  likely  to  suppurate;  if  so,  it  will 
have  increased  in  size,  and  have  a  soft  fluctuating  feel. 

Just  as  soon  as  matter  can  be  detected,  the  abscess  must  be 
punctured  at  its  base,  by  means  of  a  thumb  lancet.  It  will  not 
do  to  allow  the  matter  to  accumulate ;  for,  if  so,  it  will  burrow 
and  spread  in  various  directions,  making  a  verj'  extensive  and  for- 
midable abscess.  It  would  be  necessary  to  make  a  free  opening 
into  the  abscess  large  enough  to  admit  a  man's  finger,  and  if,  in 
the  course  of  a  day  or  tAW,  the  opening  should  partly  close  or  con- 
tractj  it  must  be  dilated  with  a  knife.  So  soon  as  the  abscess  is 
laid  open,  all  the  matter  must  be  squeezed  out,  which  process  must 
be  accomplish. ed  by  the  use  of  sponge  and  hot  water.  We  then, 
in  view  of  removing  every  particle  of  matter,  carefully  inject  the 
cavity  with. a  quantit}'  of  pyroligneous  acid  and  water,  equal  parts. 
A  glass  syringe  is  best,  as  the  acid  has  a  bad  effect  on  a  metal  one. 

It  wdll  be  necessary  to  sponge  the  cavity  once  daily  for  several 
days,  or  until  matter  ceases  to  form.  In  the  mean  time  the  ani- 
mal must  be  put  under  treatment,  for  it  is  very  rare  that  this  dis- 
ease can  be  cured  by  local  treatment  alone.  My  usual  custom  is 
to  give  the  patient  thirty  grains  of  the  iodide  of  potass,  twice 
daily,  in  half  a  bucket  of  water.  The  animal  will  not  refuse  to 
drink  it.  Should  he  be  weak  and  emaciated,  tonics  and  stimu- 
lants are  indicated.  Half  an  ounce  of  powdered  golden  seal  and 
the  same  quantity  of  ginger,  given  with  a  small  quantity  of  water, 
lis  a  drench,  daily,  will  answer  the  purpose.  Sometimes  it  is  ad- 
visable to  put  a  pad  of  cotton  cloth,  or  a  large  wad  of  oakum  on 
the  poll,  in  view  of  keeping  the  skin  and  sub-tissues  in  contact,  by 
which  means  they  more  readily  unite.  The  pad  may  be  secured 
tc  the  part  by  passing  a  cotton  roller,  five  inches  wide  and  ^hree 
yards  in  length,  around  the  neck.  At  the  poll  the  bandage  is  to 
be  further  secured,  by  tying  a  lock  of  the  hair  of  the  forehead  with 
a  lock  of  the  hair  of  the  mane.  This  precaution  prevents  the 
bandage  from  slipping  backward.  The  bandage  should  be  re- 
moved and  readjusted  every  day,  and  the  parts  are  to  be  cleansed 
and  syxnged,  in  the  manner  just  alluded  to,  as  long  as  necessary. 
After  the  lapse  of  a  few  days,  should  the  secretion  of  matter  de- 
rrease,  then  the  chances  are  in  favor  of  a  cure. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSDES.  29fc 

Cases,  however,  will  sometimes  occur  which  set  at  defiance  all 
our  skill.  In  such  we  find  that  either  the  ligamentary,  tendinous^ 
or  fleshy  parts,  or  perhaps  the  bones,  are  involved,  and  it  often 
happens  that  fistulas  or  pipes  run  in  various  directions.  Such 
cases  re(pnre  the  services  of  a  surgeon,  who  will  dissect  out  the 
fistulous  pipes,  and  remove  all  the  diseased  portions  of  the  flesh 
and  bone.  The  after-treatment  is  then  the  same  as  we  have  just 
indicated. 

Fistulous  Withers. 

This  disease  resembles  poll-evil,  and,  in  a  majority  of  cases, 
ewes  its  origin  to  the  same  exciting  causes;  namely,  external 
bruises,  or  injury  inflicted  by  a  bad-fitting  collar  or  saddle.  The 
treatment  is  the  same  as  that  recommended  for  the  cure  of  poll- 
evil. 

Warts  on  the  Skin. 

Warts  are  of  two  kinds.  One  of  these  makes  its  appearance 
upon,  and  consists  in  part  of  an  increased  development  of,  the 
outer  scurf  or  scarfskin ;  the  other  kind  is  contained  under,  and, 
^rhile  it  elevates,  does  not  grow  from  the  scarfskin.  As  it  fre- 
cuently  becomes  desirable  to  remove  these  growths,  and  to  coun- 
teract that  condition  of  skin  on  which  their  reproduction  depends, 
we  shall  briefly  describe  them.  The  most  common  kind  of  wart, 
and  that  called  the  true  angleberry,  is  the  first  of  the  two  to  which 
we  have  alluded.  It  has  always  a  hard,  horny  sort  of  investment 
externally.  This  is  formed  of  scales  of  scarfskin  matted  together 
in  great  quantities,  and  prolonged  from  the  true  skin,  to  which 
they  are  attached.  As  this  outer  covering  increases  in  growth,  it 
dries  and  splits  up  into  shreds  or  fibers,  which  generally  oicome 
more  or  less  pointed  at  their  free  ends.  Many  of  these  shredis 
may  grow  from  one  common  stock  or  pedicle,  called  the  "neck." 
In  other  cases  there  is  no  well-defined  neck,  and  a  large  surface 
will  be  covered  with  a  coarse,  rough,  and  horny  crop  of  warts,  all, 
as  it  were,  united  vrhe-re  they  originated  from  the  skin. 

Cause. — Warts  are  always  produced  from  what  ma^  be  consid- 
ered as  greatly-developed  knots,  nr  papillae,  within  the  true  skin. 
Blood,  in  greater  quantities  than  natural,  is  sent  to  these,  and  the 
pajiillje  continuing  to  grow,  forms  perceptible  tumors,  which  are 
Bonu'wliat  sensitive,  painful   if  exj^osed  to  friction,  and  form  (/» 


29G  DADDS  VETERINARY  JiiiDIClNE  AND  SURGER'i. 

throw  off  the  scaly  covering  which  eventually  forms  the  main  part 
of  wart's.  "We  see  many  instances  of  warts  on  the  human  hands 
and  other  parts  of  ihe  body,  and  always  find  that  the  dry,  horny 
part  grows  from  the  skin  somewhat  thickened  and  increased  in 
vascularity.  So  great,  indeed,  is  the  quantity  of  blood  which 
some  warts  receive,  tha,+  they  bleed  much  more  profusely  than 
other  portions  of  skin  when  wounded.    . 

The  other  kind  of  wart  to  which  we  alluded  does  not  cause  any 
external  roughness  or  scaly  appearance.  It  is  formed  ^v'ithin  tlia 
outer  skin,  and  commonly  appears  as  a  circumscribed  round  tu- 
mor. On  being  examined  by  the  hand,  it  is  felt  to  be  contained 
in  a  sack  or  pouch,  within  which  it  is  easily  moveable.  It  is 
almost  insensible,  and  consists  of  a  quantity  of  white  fibrous  and 
sometimes  grisly  substance,  which  does  not  possess  blood-vessels 
in  its  interior.  We  often  meet  with  this  kind  of  encysted  wart 
near  the  outer  organs  of  generation  in  the  horse  or  mare.  The 
horny  wart  which  we  first  noticed  is  common  in  horses,  cattle, 
and  dogs.  The  encysted  wart  is  comparatively  rare  in  cattle;  it 
is  more  common  in  dogs,  but  is  most  frequently  found  in  horses. 

Treatment. — In  treating  warts  with  a  view  to  remove  them,  and 
prevent  their  reproduction,  it  becomes  necessary  to  destroy,  in  a 
measure,  the  surface  from  which  they  sprout.  When  an  angle- 
berry  has -a  "  neck,"  this  should  be  cut  off  flat  and  close  with  the 
skin,  and  the  raw  surfice  thus  made  should  be  touched  occasion- 
ally and  freely  with  caustic  or  a  heated  iron.  If  the  neck  be  so 
large  as  to  endanger  much  bleeding  if  divided  at  once,  a  ligature 
of  thin,  strong  string  may  be  tied  round  it  very  tightly,  in  order 
to  cut  off  its  supply  of  blood.  The  ligature  should  be  applied 
frequently — daily,  if  convenient.  Where  a  large  surface  Lj  cov- 
ered by  warts  which  do  not  possess  any  definite  necks,  their  horny 
parts  should  be  cropped  or  cut  closely  down  to  the  true  skin,  w  itb 
scissors  or  other  convenient  instrument,  and  the  surface  thus  ex- 
posed should  then  be  touched  with  a  hot  iron,  or  rubbed  with 
caUvStic  potass.  Such  application  is  to  be  continued  till  the  liorD 
ceases  to  grow.  Encysted  warts  are  removed  by  cutting  the  skin 
of  the  sack  and  squeezing  them  out.  The  exposed  cavity  sliould 
be  dressed  daily  with  digestive  ointment 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SLB- TISSUES.  297 

Purpura  Hemorrhagica  ("  Scurvy  ")- 

A  disease  not  uufrequently  makes  its  appearance  among  horsea 
termed  purpura  hemorrhagica,  kuown  in  human  practice  as  the 
'■  purples."  It  consists  of  congestion  (extravasation)  blood  of  and 
effusicn  of  serum  (water)  into  the  cellular  tissue.  The  disease 
probably  owes  its  origin  to  a  depraved  condition  of  the  blood. 

Symptoms. — On  making  an  examination  of  the  affected  animal, 
we  find  that  the  cellular  tissue,  in  various  parts  of  the  body,  la 
distended  ^vith  serum  and  blood.  Local  swelling  will  appear  in 
various  parts  of  the  body,  more  particularly  about  the  face,  lips, 
and  limbs.  The  disease  also  affects  internal  parts.  Blood  ia 
sometimes  passed  with  the  urine  and  feces ;  respiration  is  embar- 
rassed ;  the  heart  palpitates,  and  abnormal  cerebral  symptoms  set 
in.  In  the  human  subject  the  disease  is  considered  strictly  as  a 
hemorrhage.  Small  round  spots  appear  on  various  parts  of  the 
body  and  legs,  of  a  dull  crimson  or  purple  color.  Pressure  upon 
them  does  not  efface  the  color,  nor  render  it  fainter,  as  it  does  that 
of  common  inflammatory  spots  of  the  skin.  There  is  scarcely  any 
prominence  of  the  purple  stigmata ;  but  they  are  sometimes  inter- 
mixed with  livid  blotches,  with  appearances  exactly  resembling 
bruises,  and  they  undergo,  before  they  disappear,  the  same  changes 
in  color  which  attends  the  disappearance  of  a  bruise.  In  fact,  the 
anatomical  condition  of  a  bruise  is  exactly  the  same,  with  the  dif- 
fused  condition  as  in  purpura.  In  each  case  the  color  is  the  result 
of  echymosis  (effusion  of  blood  beneath  the  skin). 

In  the  human  subject,  also,  the  disease  is  not  confined  to  the 
skin.  Watson  informs  us  that  "  the  spots  are  not  confined  to  the 
skin,  nor  to  the  subcutaneous  tissues,  but  are  found,  occasionally, 
upon  all  the  internal  surfaces  also,  and  within  the  substance  of 
the  several  viscera  (internal  organs  of  the  body).  I  have  seen 
these  purple  spots  in  the  mucous  surface  of  the  mouth,  throat, 
stomach,  and  intestines ;  in  the  pleura  and  pericardium ;  in  the 
chest ;  in  the  peritoneal  investment  of  the  abdominal  organs ;  in 
the  substance  of  the  muscles,  and  even  upon  the  membranes  of 
the  brain  and  in  the  sheaths  of  the  large  nerves,  and  I  have  known 
them  to  be  accompanied  with  large  extravasations  of  blood  in  most 
of  the  vital  organs  of  the  body." 

The  same  appearances  have  been  observed  in  equine  autopsies, 
«vhich  accounts  for  the  immobility  and  deranged  condition  of  all 


ZU8  DADD'S  VEIERINARi'  JIEDlCINE  AND  SURGERY. 

jLe  functions.  Sometimes  the  throat  is  so  badly  aflcctcJ  thai 
tracheotomy  has  to  be  resorted  to.  Now  and  then  the  tongue  be- 
comes livid  and  swollen,  so  that  the  animal  can  not  partake  of 
looJ.  In  such  cases  the  tongue  may  be  freely  swabbed  with  warm 
vinegiir,  until  its  volume  is  reduced. 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  the  disease  is  discovered,  the  animal 
should  be  put  under  the  following  treatment: 

No.  40.  Fluid  extract  of  bloodroot 2  oz. 

Fluid  exti-act  of  buchu 4  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger 3  oz. 

Mix. 

Give  one  ounce  of  this  mixture  night  and  morning,  in  about  a 
gill  of  water.  Should  there  appear  to  be  any  trouble  with  the 
throat,  lubricate  it,  twice  daily,  with  a  portion  of  the  following: 

No.  41.  Olive  oil 4  oz. 

Camphor 1   oz. 

Mix. 

In  preparing  the  above,  i*  is  best  to  pulverize  the  camphor, 
when  it  will  dissolve  more  readily  in  the  oil.  A  lotion  must  now 
be  prepared,  with  which  the  whole  surface  of  the  body  should  be 
gponged  daily. 

No.  42.  Spirits  of  atamonia 3  oz. 

Spirits  of  camphor 2  oz. 

Pulverized  rock  salt 6  oz. 

Rain-water *?  pints 

Dissolve  the  salt  in  the  water,  allowing  the  impurities  to  settle; 
then  add  the  clear  liquor  to  the  camphor  and  ammonia,  previously 
mixed. 

It  occasionally  happens  that  the  skin,  in  various  parts  of  the 
body,  cracks,  and  portions  slough  off.  Should  there  be  any  appear- 
ance of  the  kind,  discontinue  the  above  lotion  and  substitute  the 
following : 

No.  43.  Pyroligneous  acid )  ,        . 

Olive  oil I  ®*1''^'  P^'^^- 

Every  time  the  patient  is  watercu,  (say  about  throe  times  per 
day,)  half  an  ounce  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  should  be  dissolved 
in  the  pail.  Vegetables,  also,  are  indicated,  if  they  are  to  he  had. 
I  should  give  tomatoes,  sliced  carrots,  potatoes,  and  green  grass 
Bleeding,  purging,  and  all  kinds  of  poisonous  and  sedative  medi 
cLdea  are  inadmissible. 


Dl8£.^dt;b  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.  299 

Out  of  Condition  (Hide-bound^. 

Either  from  derangement  of  the  digestive  function,  or  in  con- 
sequence of  the  animal  being  fed  on  poor  provender  or  wcrked 
beyond  his  strength,  debility  and  emaciation  ensue.  A  horse  out 
of  condition  usually  loses  flesh;  the  hair  loses  its  glossy  a])pear- 
ance;  the  skin  becomes  unhealthy  and  scurfy,  and  he  can  not  per- 
form his  ordinary  labor  without  apparent  fatigue. 

Treatment. — The  best  remedy,  if  the  season  permits,  is  a  run  at 
grass,  taking  care  to  give  a  good  feed  of  oats  every  night ;  other- 
wise the  grass  will  not  improve  his  condition.  In  the  stable  the 
treatment  is  as  follows:  Give  the  animal  one  ounce  of  the  fluid 
extract  of  camomile  flowers  every  morning,  before  feeding,  and 
ai  night  mix  one  ounce  of  powdered  poplar  bark  with  the  oata. 
This,  togethor  with  good  food  and  rest,  will  complete  the  cure 

Herpes  (Tetter). 

Herpes  is  a  disease  of  the  skin,  manifesting  itself  in  the  form 
of  vesicles,  which  contain  a  small  quantity  of  aqueous  fluid  effused 
beneath  the  true  skin.  Sometimes  they  are  thinly  scattered  over 
tiie  surface,  and  sometimes  collected  into  clusters.  The  vesicles 
appear  in  irregular  snccession.  They  terminate,  also,  in  various 
ways :  by  the  reabsorption  of  the  fluid,  and,  in  bad  cases,  falling 
off  of  the  hair,  and  peeling  of  the  skin,  in  some  places.  In  the 
human  subject  the  malady  is  considered  transient  and  non-con- 
tagious, consisting  of  red  patches,  of  irregular  form  and  variable 
size,  upon  each  of  which  stands  a  crop  of  vesicles. 

Treatment. — I  have  been  very  successful  in  the  treatment  of  thia 
malady  by  using  the  following  lotion : 

No.  44.  Glycerine 2  oz. 

Taiiuin 2  dr. 

Rain-water 4  oz. 

Apply  once  or  twice  daily,  by  means  of  a  soft  sponge. 

In  the  horse  the  affection  sometimes  assumes  an  epizootic  form. 
In  that  event  it  can  be  communicated  to  man,  as  the  following 
oases  will  show : 

"At  the  commencement  of  1849,  Count  Faverges  invited  Pro- 
fessor Papa  to  the  valley  of  Borne,  in  Savoy,  to  see  a  disease 
affectinj;  animals,  and  which  even  spread  to  men.     Every  facility 


300  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

was  C'ffered  by  Government  to  Professor  Papa,  and  many  persons 
having  aiFected  animals  were  requested  to  permit  their  inspection, 
and,  indeed,  threatened  with  a  fine  if  they  did  not.  Papa  saw 
about  three  hundred  horses  and  mules  affected.  The  disease  ap- 
peared in  circular  patches  of  furfuraceous  scales,  with  grayish- 
white  scabs.  These  patches  had  usually  well-defined  margins, 
about  the  size  of  a  dollar  or  five-shilling  piece.  Usually  they 
were  isolated,  but  at  other  times  they  were  confluent,  or  running 
together  in  groups.  The  head,  neck,  withers,  shoulders,  and  loins 
were  the  parts  chiefly  affected.  More  rarely  the  upper  portion  of 
the  extremities,  and  never  on  the  lower  part  of  the  limbs,  chesty 
or  belly.  The  malady  commences  with  a  violent  itching,  and  an 
eruption  in  small  circumscribed  points,  about  the  size  of  a  lentil, 
is  witnessed.  The  scabs  form,  with  the  exudation  drying  and 
entangling  cuticle  and  hairs.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  first,  other 
eruptive  spots  appeared,  which,  widening,  became  confluent  and 
run  into  one  another,  especially  where  the  skin  is  folded  and  ani- 
mals have  a  chance  of  rubbing  themselves.  A  scab  forms  on  the 
6ore  surface,  and  the  surface  beneath  it  is  red  and  tumefied,  but  in 
a  little  time  desquamation  occurs.  A  very  careful  microscopical 
examination  failed  to  indicate  the  existence  of  any  acari. 

The  disease  is  contagious,  and  Papa  says  all  those  who  come 
more  or  less  in  contact  with  herpetic  horses  or  mules,  and  espe- 
cially the  conductors  of  the  same,  were  covered  on  the  arms,  legs, 
chest,  and  face  with  pruriginous  eruptions,  limited  and  circum- 
scribed, sometimes  isolated,  occasionally  confluent,  in  the  form 
of  red  patches  covered  with  papulse  and  vesicles,  which  ber^ome 
iucrusted  with  brownish-yellow  scabs,  beneath  which  purulent 
deposits  formed.  In  consequence  of  the  violent  pruritis  attending 
this  disease,  it  was  believed  to  be  scabies  or  itch  by  the  people^ 
and,  though  in  many  houses  individuals  were  affected,  they  were 
ashamed  to  confess  it,  and  it  was  with  great  difficulty  that  Papa 
collected  information  on  the  subject;  but,  having  gained  confidence 
on  the  lattei,  the  people  more  freely  related  their  cases  to  him. 
The  first  to  be  affected  were  those  intrusted  with  dressing  the  dis- 
eased animals.  The  parts  first  attacked  were  the  articular  regions 
about  the  forearm,  arm,  face,  and  rarely  the  lower  limbs. 

Papa  describes  one  of  many  cases  of  direct  contagion.  It  <jc- 
curred  in  a  lad  of  sixteen,  who  had  jumped  on  the  bare  back  of  an 
affected  horse,  to  take  it  to  a  watering-place.    Two  days  afterward, 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-TISSUES.  30i 

on  the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  legs,  from  the  pubis  to  the  calf  of 
the  leg,  there  was  extreme  pruritis.  The  skin  became  of  reddish- 
brown  «;olor,  and  vesicles,  full  of  yellowish  lymph,  formed,  which 
gave  way  to  vesicular  patches  or  scabs,  rough  to  the  touch,  first 
isolated,  and  afterward  confluent. 

The  transmission  occurred  from  horse  to  horse,  horse  to  man, 
and  from  man  to  man ;  in  fact,  persons  who  never  touched  an  af- 
fected horse  were  infected  from  individuals  they  came  in  contact 
^•ith.  A  soldier,  having  arrived  in  perfect  health  from  his  regi- 
ment, slept  with  his  brother,  who  suffered  from  the  disease,  and 
became  affected.  The  wives  of  carters  not  only  took  the  disease, 
but  communicated  it  to  their  sucking  infants. 

Papa  visited  the  district  at  a  season  when  the  fetid  hellebore  waa 
growing  abundantly.  He  caused  some  to  be  gathered,  and  obtained 
decoctions  of  the  roots.  With  this  he  mixed  equal  parts  of  water, 
and  distributed  the  lotion  in  different  parts,  to  be  applied  to  men 
and  animals  that  were  affected.  Without  any  internal  treatment, 
this  application  had  the  best  effect.  He  tried  tobacco  decoction, 
but  not  with  a  similar  amount  of  success.  Papa  regards  the  dis- 
ease as  the  herpes  tonsurans,  which  has  been  spoken  of  b}  many 
Teterinarians  as  common  in  the  live  animals."  * 


•  Edinburg  Veterinary  Review. 


SECTION  XI. 

CN  BK£EDINO,  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME 

B«KEDiKG— Tub  Pkinciples  of  Breeding — In-and-in  Bekedino — Permanemi 
Varieties — Animals  become  Parents  too  Earlt — Objections  to  In-and- 
in  Breeding  Answered — The  Advantage  of  In-and-in  Breedino  Thb 
Importance  of  Stodtino  Anatomy  and  Putstology. 


Breeding. 

THE  choice  of  a  sire  and  dam  is  a  point  of  the  utmost  conse- 
quence in  breeding  horses  (or  indeed  any  other  animal),  as 
the  offspring  will  be  found,  in  almost  every  instance,  to  inherit 
the  qualities  of  its  parents.  Peculiarity  of  form  and  constitution 
is  inherent,  and  descends  from  generation  to  generation ;  hence 
the  necessary  attention  to  those  niceties  which  breeders  are  often 
apt  to  forget.  Nor  is  it  sufficient  that  one  of  the  parents  be  good 
and  the  other  indifferent ;  for  the  perfection  of  the  sire  may  be 
lost  through  the  deficiencies  of  the  mare,  and  vice  versa. 

In  the  selection  of  a  stallion  many  things  should  be  observed. 
There  should  be  general  uniformity  and  compactness  in  every 
part.  The  height  should  depend  on  the  occupation  the  foal  ia 
destined  to  fill  The  legs  should  be  particularly  examined,  and 
disease  should  pervade  no  part  of  the  system.  Fat,  heavy  horses, 
with  thick  legs,  and  coarse,  unseemly  heads,  should  always  be 
avoided.  Horses  should  be  free  from  specks  on  the  eye — partial 
or  total  blindness.  Temper  lo  an  essential  point,  for  vice  is  some- 
times hereditary.  Stallions  that  cover  too  many  mares  in  a  sea- 
sou,  in  the  latter  period  produce  weak  offspring. 

As  regards  the  mare,  it  is  well  known  that  the  dam  contributes 

more  to  the  integrity  of  the  offsj  ring  than  the  sire.    It  is  essential 

thai  she  be  in  full  possession  of  her  natural  strength  and  powers. 

The  vigor  of  tlie   constitution  determines  much  in  favor  of  the 

(302) 


BREEDING   AI^JJ  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME  303 

foal  It  is  a  great  error  to  suppose  that  a  mare  that  has  onoe 
beej  gootl,  and  capable  of  great  exertion,  should,  when  old,  and 
no  longer  fitted  for  work,  produce  offspring  equally  efficient  as 
when  in  her  prime.  The  foal  will  certainly  inherit  some  of  the 
weakness  of  the  present  nature  and  broken-down  constitution. 
Mares  should  never  be  put  to  the  stallion  until  they  have  arrived 
at  maturity,  which  takes  place  about  the  fifth  year.  Mares  are 
bred  from  earlier,  but  it  is  a  bad  practice,  for  strength  and  beauty 
are  absent;  and  thus  not  only  is  the  dam  rendered  inefficient 
sooner  than  in  one  that  is  allowed  to  come  to  maturity,  but  the 
foal  can  never  be  expected  to  be  either  healthy  or  strong  in  con- 
stitution. The  period  of  going  with  foal  is  eleven  months.  After 
the  sixth  month,  great  care  and  gentleness  should  be  exercised  to- 
ward them.  ]\Ioderate  exercise  is  essential.  Hard  work  in  har- 
ness, over  bad  roads,  is  likely  to  produce  abortion,  and  mares  that 
have  once  aborted  are  very  liable  (if  the  same  causes  are  in  ope- 
ration) to  a  recurrence  of  the  same. 

The  proper  time  for  copulation  is  when  there  is  a  discharge  of 
a  whitish  fluid  from  the  vagina.  She  neighs  frequently,  and  ex- 
hibits sreat  desire  for  the  horse.  When  she  has  conceived  she 
shows  no  further  desire,  and  the  discharge  from  the  vagina  stops. 
Some  writers  recommend  that  the  mare  be  put  to  the  stallion  early 
after  foaling.  This  is  bad  policy,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the 
dam,  if  she  become  impregnated,  has  to  nourish  both  the  foal  and 
the  embryo.  This  is  excessively  weakening,  and  tells  on  either 
dam,  foetus,  or  foal. 

Disproportionate  copulations  are  also  objectionable,  as,  for  ex- 
ample, putting  a  large  horse  to  a  small  mare.  When  imjirove- 
ment  in  size  is  the  object,  it  should  be  attempted  by  regulai 
gradations.  This  is  the  best  method  of  securing  size  and  beauty, 
aa  well  as  strength.  The  best  mode  of  preserving  the  breed  and 
making  improvements  is,  to  make  selections  of  the  best  on  both 
aides.  ^luch  judgment  and  circumspection  is  necessary,  at  all 
times,  in  crossing  the  breed,  and  many  errors  arise  in  consequen'^e 
o!"  a  want  of  knowledge  on  this  subject. 

When  the  period  of  foaling  draws  nigh,  the  mare  should  be 
aeparatcd  from  her  companions.  Having  foaled,  she  should  be 
tHrned  into  a  pasture,  if  possible ;  otherwise,  into  a  loose  box 
inclosure,  or  emj)ly  barn.  The  foal  may  be  weaned  at  the  age 
of  six  months,  more  or  less,  a,«!  circumstances  seem  to  require.     A 


304  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERl. 

weak  foal  should  run  with  its  mother  for  a  longer  period  thai 
one  tliat  shows  signs  of  vigorous  health.  Should  the  foal  die  at 
the  period  of  parturition,  humanity  would  seem  to  suggest  that 
the  mare  be  excused  from  duty  for  a  week  or  two,  by  which  time 
she  will  have  recovered  from  fne  effects  of  parturi'ior. 

The  Pei^nciples  of  Breeding. 

It  is  a  law  of  Nature  that  peculiarities  of  form,  size,  color,  etc., 
ghall  be  transmitted  by  parents  to  offspring,  ("  like  begets  like,") 
although,  under  certain  circiuastances,  a  modification  of  this  law 
b  to  be  expected.  If,  for  example,  we  liberate  an  animal  from 
domestication  and  its  influences,  which  are  known  to  operate  very 
markedly  on  animal  organizations  and  habits,  the  creature  thus  lib- 
erated loses  its  acquirements,  and,  in  successive  generations,  grad- 
ually returns  to  the  original  type.  This  is  a  modification  of  the 
above  law,  and,  supposing  our  pecuniary  interests  are  the  object  of 
the  experiment,  it  will  be  an  improvement  in  the  wrong  direction. 

On  the  other  hand,  take  a  wild  animal ;  bring  him  under  the 
influences^of  domestication,  and  he  gradually  loses  all  his  distinc- 
tive characteristics  of  size,  form,  and  instinct,  and,  in  popular 
language,  becomes  a  new  creature,  improved  or  not,  as  the  case 
may  be,  under  the  direction  of  his  lord  and  master;  so  that  the 
inferior  orders  cf  creation  are  really  the  creatures  of  circumstances. 
These  changes  are  the  result  of  man's  experience  or  non-expe- 
rience. These  are  general  propositions  which  "precede  beauty 
and  symmetry." 

Beauty  and  Symmetry. — If  we  examine  into  the  methods  pur- 
sued by  some  of  the  most  successful  raisers  of  live  stock,  we  shall 
Bee  that  they  paid  particular  attention  to  the  selection  of  well- 
formed,  beautiful  animals.  They  very  naturally  supposed  that  ex- 
ternal conformation  was  transmissible;  that  if  they  happened  to 
obtain  a  good  calf  or  foal  from  inferior,  diseased,  or  malformed 
parents,  it  was  purely  accidental,  and  out  of  the  ordinary  course 
of  Nature.  In  selecting  beautiful  animals,  they  naturally  exclude! 
those  01  narrow  chest,  which  peculiarity  is  indicative  of  predispo- 
sition to  pulmonary  affections  and  founder  (the  latter  term  signi- 
fying a  worthless  or  ruined  condition,  which,  in  the  eye  of  the 
law,  renders  them  actually  unsound),  because  they  have  that  about 
them  which  may  impair  their  future  usefulness.    Hence,  for  oi^re 


BREEDING,  AND  THE  PRmCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME.  306 

reasons  than  one,  such  are  unfit  for  breeding  purposeSj  unless, 
however,  the  morbid  phenornena  be  neutralized  by  blood,  in  one 
of  the  parents,  of  a  superior  order,  free  from  taint,  as  it  ai<pear8  in 
tlie  other. 

In  my  adventures  in  search  of  the  beautiful,  I  should  pasa  by 
all  animals  having  any  peculiarity  of  conformation,  general  or 
lo<:al,  which  experience  teaches  me  are  sure  to  reappear  either 
directly  or  indirectly,  in  future  progeny.  This  appears  to  be  the 
proper  course  to  pursue;  yet  many,  otherwise  intelligent  men  will 
invest  their  money  in  the  purchase  of  defective  animals,  merely 
because  they  can  be  bought  cheap,  when  every  body  knows,  or 
ought  to  know,  that  cheap  animals,  like  cheap  watches,  <ost  more, 
in  the  end,  for  repairs,  etc.,  than  a  commodity  of  more  real  value. 
The  same  rule  applies  to  horses.  Some  men,  if  they  happen  to 
be  in  possession  of  a  broken-down  mare,  unable,  from  faults,  <'e- 
feds,  old  age,  and  disease,  to  perform  ordinary  horse  duties,  com- 
mence a  speculation  in  a  different  enterprise.  The  reproductive 
organs  must  be  exercised.  Just  at  this  time  some  ceut-and-dollar 
calculating  jockey  advertises  and  exhibits  a  well-fed,  prancing  steed, 
bearing  a  popular  name ;  but  his  whole  carcass  is  redolent  of  faults 
and  defects,  which  the  owner  is  not  expected  to  know  any  thing 
about,  and  if  he  does,  it  is  not  for  his  interest  to  point  them  out. 
The  price  of  copulation  is  dirt  cheap,  and  the  lodlish  speculatoi 
expects  to  obtain  a  smart  colt,  that  will  eventually  command  a 
high  price.  But,  alas  for  such  milk-and-water  calculations!  the 
expected  specimen  of  equine  animality  inherits  and  exhibits  ita 
parental  infirmities  and  deformities,  and  ultimately  becomes  a 
living  monument  of  the  folly  of  its  o\\Tier. 

There  is  no  beauty  in  the  faults  and  defects  which  must  neces- 
ajirily  occur  through  the  sexual  congress  of  faulty  and  defective 
animals ;  neither  can  there  be  grace  in  the  motions  of  an  overfed 
or  ill-conditioned  animal.  Beauty,  symmetry,  grace,  and  sound- 
ness are  defunct  in  the  ill-conditioned  creature,  or  otherwise  de- 
f<!Ctive  one — a  mere  apolog}'  for  the  handiwork  of  Nature.  The 
muscular  system  of  a  horse  or  cow  may,  in  some  regions  of  the 
body,  be  well-developed;  but  should  their  limbs  be  unnaturally 
curved,  or  any  part  of  their  system  be  out  of  proportion  to  the 
othei  parts  of  the  body,  then  b(!auty  has  never  seated  itself  on 
their  thrones.  Yet  we  can  improve  the  appearance  of  such  ani- 
malf  by  artifi?ial  means  and  costly  adornments.  This  arti6-\ial 
20 


BOG  DADL'fe  VETf.RINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGilRr. 

kind  I  f  beauty  is  what  most  men  seek  after,  and,  at  a  high  prioe^ 
to  thrii  sorrow,  obtain  it;  whereas  the  real  beauty  of  form  and 
endowments,  wliieh  practical  husbandmen  really  require,  must 
originate  unartificially  in  the  living  citadel — must  be  the  work 
of  Nature  and  not  of  art. 

It  is  a  fact,  well  known  to  many  men,  that  animals  of  faultleafl 
form,  having  symmetrical  proportions,  are  exempt  from  many 
diseases  which  are  the  heritage  of  faulty  and  inferior  animals,  and 
insurance  companies  take  advantage  of  this  knowledge,  and  insure 
the  former  at  less  rates  than  the  latter.  As  an  illustration  of  the 
above,  I  may  be  permitted  to  remark  that  the  "  Arabian  Courser," 
English  "blood  horse,"  American  "Black  Il-^wk,'*  and  pure 
"Devon"  cow — all  remarkable  for  good  j)oiuts,  beauty,  and  en- 
durance— are  exempt  from  many  of  the  common  and  unnecessary 
diseases  and  abortions.  Beauty  and  symmetrical  proportions  con- 
tribute to  health,  because  there  is  a  certain  degree  of  relationship 
between  external  and  internal  organs  and  functions.  For  exam- 
}>le,  a  fine  exterior,  good  depth  of  chest,  well-proportioned  muscles, 
and  graceful  limbs  are  generally  coexistent  with  good  "  wind  and 
bottom,"  and  the  subjects,  of  course,  possess  active  respiratory 
organs,  a  finely-balanced  circulation,  and  a  digestive  appai'atus 
that  can  digest  every  article  in  the  shape  of  fodder.  _In  selecting 
the  beautiful,  we  therefore  obtain  material  for  perpetuatiup-  health, 
long  life,  and  valuable  offspring. 

One  of  Blak swell's  great  secrets  was,  "  Breed  from  the  beau- 
tiful." I  allude  to  him  because  he  was  the  most  successful 
"  breeder  "  that  England  ever  boasted  of.  At  the  onset  he  paid 
great  attention  to  "  beauty  of  form."  Having  developed  a  fine 
exterior,  he  engrafted  on  it  the  useful.  He  was  well  aware  that 
I'eauty  and  utility  were  not  always  combined,  but,  being  in  pos- 
session of  the  former,  he  could  produce  the  latter  to  "  order ;"  and 
ho  accomplished  his  object  in  the  following  manner.  He  required 
cows  that  would  yield  a  large  quantity  of  milk;  consequently  he 
selected  those  whose  dams  had  long  been  celebrated  for  their  ex- 
cellent milking  qualities,  and  from  among  such  he  chose  the  very 
best  female  of  the  family,  and  united  her  with  a  beautiful  male. 
Having,  in  the  production  of  offspring  througl  the  above  union, 
accomplished  his  object,  he  then  paid  less  attention  to  beauty,  and 
more  to  the  milking  qualities,  so  as  to  render  the  ^atter  permanent 
in  the  breed.     Still,  in  all  his  experiments  he  rejected  uncouth. 


BREEDIKG.  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME.  307 

unthrifty,  and  defective  animals.  1  am  aware,  however,  thai  iha 
evils  of  domestication  are  operative,  to  a  certain  extent,  on  all 
animals.  Still,  I  contend  that  the  ''well-bred"  animal  can  resist 
the  insidious  eucroachuients  of  disease,  and  survive  longer  under 
its  depressing  influence  than  "ill-favored"  creatures.  Illustra- 
tions are  not  wanting  to  prove  the  correctness  of  Blakewell's 
iheory ;  therefore,  I  advise  the  reader  to  follow  the  example  of 
one  who  has  been  styled  the  "Napoleon  of  breeders." 

In-and-in  Breeding. 

We  now  inquire,  What  is  breeding  in-and-in?  I  answer,  It 
implies  consanguinity — breeding  from. animals  of  the  same  blood, 
or  jn-opagating  in  a  close  degree  of  relationship.  Some  persona 
have  an  idea  that  this  system  is  pernicious,  and  leads  to  degen- 
eracy and  premature  decay ;  but  that  is  a  matter  of  argument,  and, 
as  I  shall  attempt  to  prove,  depends  on  the  skill  of  the  "  breeder," 
and  his  ability  to  make  wise  selections.  The  human  rac(! — the 
sons  and  daughters  of  Adam  and  Eve — afford  a  stu])eudous  illus- 
tration of  the  practicability  of  in-and-in  breeding.  The  millions 
terrestrial  all  originated  (so  the  Good  Book  informs  us)  from  our 
common  parents,  and,  consequently,  we  are  all  "blood"  relations; 
and  this  fact  goes  to  show  that  in-and-in  breeding  is  in  accord- 
ance with  the  laws  of  physiology,  and  does  not  conflict  with  the 
intentions  of  "  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well."  It  is  a  part  of 
the  great  scheme  of  creation,  a  physiological  law,  the  problem  of 
hfe,  to  solve  which  God  has  endowed  us  with  reason,  "  God-liije 
reason,"  the  exercise  of  which  puts  us  in  j)ossession  of  the  fruit 
of  the  "  tree  of  knowledge.'*  The  non-exercise  of  the  same  fur- 
nishes us  with  foi  bidden  fruit. 

Ill-assorted  marriages — consumption  mating  with  consumption, 
and  scrofula  with  scrofula — seeks  at  the  altar  an  introduction  to 
an  early  grave.  The  same  is  true  of  animals.  Bad  selections 
thwart  the  intentions  of  the  Creator,  mar  his  handiwork,  and  if  a 
friendly  e})izootic  sweeps  them  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  it  la 
more  of  a  blessing  than  a  curse.  From  the  great  human  family 
I  select  a  branch  to  illustrate  this  principle,  and  I  choose  to  refer 
to  the  Jews.  So  long  as  they  are  so  in  faitli  and  practice — mar- 
rying their  own  kindred — they  are  a  living  illustration  of  the 
libove  principle.      Have  they  degenerated  ?     Xo.     The  distinctiv<» 


308  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERT. 

characteristics  of  the  race  are  jast  as  remarkable  as  tliey  evcf 
were.  The  vicious  and  defective  find  an  early  grave,  but  th« 
"  race  "  remains  pure. 

Now,  as  regards  horses  and  cows,  the  same  is  true ;  they  all  had 
4  common  origin.  The  different  varieties  that  now  exist  are  the 
work  of  time,  circumstances,  and  the  art  of  man.  The  famoiw 
horses  mentioned  by  Mahomet,  in  the  "  Koran,"  resulted  from 
in-and-in  breeding.  They  have  existed  and  multiplied  for  throe 
thousand  years  without  the  slightest  intermixture  of  foreign  blood, 
and,  from  the  time  of  Solomon  up  to  the  present  day,  their  pedi- 
gree has  been  watched  and  chronicled  with  great  care,  so  that  no 
doubt  exists  as  regards  their  consanguinity.  Their  fine  form, 
Bplendid  action,  endurance,  spirit,  speed,  and  docility  can  only  be 
retained  by  preserving  the  race  pure,  and  this  is  an  argument  in 
favor  of  in-and-in  breeding. 

No  breed  can  be  preserved  pure  unless  the  in-and-in  system  be 
pursued.  Take  the  Suffolk  pig,  for  example.  So  long  as  we  put 
Suffolk  to  Suffolk  we  get  "  pure  "  Suffolk,  and,  if  proper  selections 
have  been  made,  good  Suffolks  are  the  result ;  but  deviate  from 
direct  lineage,  and  the  breed  degenerates,  for  better  or  worse,  as 
the  case  may  be,  and  they  lose  their  permanency  of  type,  and  cease 
to  become  pure  bloods. 

*  From  the  brave  descend  the  brave. 

The  Suffolks  in  this  country  are  notorious  for  a  cutaneous  disease 
simulating  scrofula,  and  many  suppose  that  this  arises  in  conse- 
quence of  the  in-and-in  system  of  breeding;  but  this  I  think  is 
an  error.  It  results  from  the  evils  of  domestication,  and  our 
want  of  knowledge  in  making  j^roper  selections.  There  often  ia 
one  or  more  animals  in  a  litter  incapacitated,  by  fault,  defect,  or 
debility,  to  perpetuate  the  stamina  and  remarkable  points  of  the 
breed ;  these  are  to  be  rejected.  If  we  fail  to  do  so,  the  next  gen- 
eration, or  the  next  to  that,  furnish  more  convincing  proof  of  error, 
which  I  contend  exists  in  making  "bad"  selections,  and  not  in 
the  above  system. 

Turn  for  a  moment  to  the  history  of  the  French  Merino,  and 
we  shall  find  that  Victor  Gilbert — a  name  familiar  to  Ameri- 
ca's most  successful  sheep  raisers — practiced  no  other  than  the  in- 
and-in  system  of  breeding.  A  lot  of  Merinos  were  sent,  in  1786, 
by  the  Queen  of  Spain,  to  the  King  of  France.     The  latter,  in 


BREEDING,  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME.  309 

ordor  tu  benefit  the  agricultural  community,  sent  half  of  them  to 
Rambouillet,  and  the  other  half  to  Croissy.  The  climate  hap- 
pened to  suit  them,  and  they  were  considered  superior  to  the  ex- 
istino;  breeds  in  France.  In  the  vear  1800,  Victor  Gilbert 
bought  at  Croissy  a  four  year  old  ram  and  eight  ewes.  He  bred 
from  those  animals  during  a  period  of  ten  years,  occasionally,  how- 
ever, "  renewing  the  stock,"  as  he  termed  it,  by  purchasing  annu- 
ally from  two  to  four  sheep.  In  1821  he  purchased  some  of  the 
Rambouillet  stock,  and  asserts  that,  "  from  a  union  of  the  same, 
he  obtained  great  advantages."  Now,  the  reader  will  perceive 
that  there  was  an  alliance  of  blood.  The  two  flocks  were  of  the 
same  lineal  descent,  belonged  to  the  same  "  family,"  and  of  course 
the  system  of  breeding  was  on  the  in-and-in  principle. 

Now,  as  reo;ards  French  Merinos  obtained  from  the  above 
source,  and  imported  into  this  country,  we  have  only  to  refer  the 
reader  to  Taintor,  of  Hartford  ;  DeForrest,  of  New  York ; 
Sanford,  of  Vermont ;  Parker  and  Howard,  of  Ohio,  and 
many  others,  who  are  ready  and  willing,  we  presume,  to  testify  as 
regards  the  prosperity  of  the  above  breed  in  this  country,  the  result 
of  in-and-in  breeding.  S.  W.  Jewett,  of  Vermont,  has  pur- 
chased, up  to  the  present  time,  over  three  hundred  bucks  and 
ewes,  the  offspring  of  the  Croissv  and  Rambouillet  breed,  and  this 
is  proof  positive  of  the  correctness  of  our  theory. 

Now,  as  regards  the  advantages  of  in-and-in  breeding,  what  are 
they?  When  Victor  Gilbert  purchased  the  first  ram,  he  car- 
ried but  9  pounds  of  wool ;  he  finally  realized  24  pounds  from  the 
rams,  and  from  the  ewes  18  ])Ounds,  a  tangible  illustration  of  the 
advantages.  A  very  fine  French  Merino,  originating  from  the 
above  source,  was  very  recently  exhibited  at  a  sheep-shearing  in 
"Wisconsin ;  the  animal  >veighcd  325  pounds,  and  carried  40  pounds 
of  wool.  Now,  the  originals,  as  I  have  already  shown,  carried 
but  9  pounds ;  so  that  the  standard,  as  regards  a  particular  4uality, 
has  been  raised,  and  that  is  what  we  understand  by  "  improve- 
mrnt." 

Mr.  V.  Barford,  of  England,  has  demonstrated  the  propriety 
of  in-and-in  breeding.     He  is  a  man,  however,  of  superior  judg 
ment,  and  he  culls  and  casts  out  from  his  flocks  and  herds  all  ani 
Bials  showing  the  least  predisposition  to  any  defect.     A  writer  in 
the  "Mark  Lane  Express"  considers  Mr.  Valentine  Barford 
"  one  of  the  most  successful  in-and-in  breeders  of  sheep  in  the  king- 


310  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

dom ;  for  lie  has  bred  from  the  pure  Blake  well  blood  for  sixty- 
five  years,  without  the  aid  of  any  other  sort  or  kind,  and  bred 
from  his  own  flock  for  upward  of  fifty  years,  maintaining  siz«». 
weight,  and  constitution.  I  have  known  Mr,  Barford's  flock  for 
upward  of  half  a  century,  and  they  appear  as  strong  la  their 
stamina  as  when  I  first  saw  them.  Mr.  Barford  does  not  use  a 
ram  unless  he  has  a  wide  loin,  a  large  breast  and  collar,  and  very 
wide  between  the  forelegs,  all  of  which  points  denote  a  hale  con- 
stitution. Although  in-and-in  breeding  has  beat  thousands  to  a 
stand,  Mr.  Barford  still  sliines  in  it." 

Therefore  I  contend  that  great  advantages  are  derived  from  pre- 
serving the  breed  pure  and  in  making  proper  selections.  I  have 
been  very  much  pleased  in  perusing  some  remarks  made  by  San- 
ford  Howard,  and  published  in  the  "  Kew  England  Farmer;" 
and,  as  they  ha2)pen  to  have  a  direct  bearing  on  our  subject,  I 
here  give  them: 

"What  is  breeding  ia-and-in?  While  some  apply  the  term 
only  to  animals  distantly  related,  he  conceived  the  only  true  idea 
of  the  matter  to  be  that  it  applied  to  creatures  of  the  same  blood. 
The  consequences  of  breeding  in-and-in,  he  believed,  migl)t  be 
either  good  or  bad,  and  depended  wholly  on  the  skill  of  the 
breeder.  As  proof  that  breeding  in-and-in  was  not  contrary  tc 
Nature,  he  referred  to  birds,  the  buffalo,  etc.,  in  a  wild  state.  It 
is  known  that  they  breed  in-and-in  constantly,  and  yet  no  deterio- 
ration takes  place.  He  had  known  geese  to  be  propagated  in  this 
way  for  forty  years,  and  not  the  slightest  depreciation  in  size, 
quality,  or  feather  was  visible  in  them.  Still  cases  could  be  cited 
where  breeding  in-and-in  had  produced  bad  results,  yet  the-se 
might  be  attributed  to  imperfections  in  the  parent  stock.  It  is 
only  necessary  to  select  perfect  specimens." 

Having  now  attempted  to  show  that  in-and-in  breeding  is  in 
accordance  with  Nature,  and  that  the  birth  of  inferior  and  defect- 
ive animals,  under  this  rule,  resulted  from  the  breeder's  ignorance 
or  neglect  in  making  proper  selections,  I  shall  next  introduce  somp 
remarks  of  a  general  character. 

Permanent  Varieties. — In-and-in  breeding  should  be  practiced 
in  view  of  some  specific  object;  namely,  perpetuating  species  capa- 
ble of  constantly  and  permanently  transmitting  characteristic  pecu- 
liarities, such  as  may  be  observed  in  any  particular  permanent 
variety.     As  an  illustration  of  the  same,  we  offer  the  French 


BREEDING,  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME.  311 

Merino  sheep,  Black  Hawk  horse,  and  Devon  bull.  Tliese  are 
permanent  varieties,  the  type  of  each  having  been  established  by 
a  long  course  of  in-and-in  breeding.  We  are  told,  however,  that 
many  of  the  imported  French  Merinos  (so  called)  have  produced 
offspring  scarcely  worth  the  trouble  of  raising — far  inferior  to  our 
common  native  stock.  The  principal  reason  is,  many  sub-races 
(f  Merinos,  existing  in  Fiance  and  elsewhere,  are  the  result  of 
3 OSS-breeding.  They  are  nothing  loss  than  mongrels,  destitute 
of  that  permanency  of  type  indicative  of  pure  blood.  But  there 
are  other  causes  for  the  deterioration  complained  of,  which  will  be 
noticed  hereafter. 

By  preserving  the  race  pure  through  a  certain  period,  we  thus 
obtain  the  requisite  permanency  of  type,  which  can  then  be  trans- 
mitted indefinitely.  Let  us  see,  now,  if  we  understand  what  is 
meant  by  a  permanent  variety,  and  inquire  if  such  do  really  trans- 
mit their  permanent  peculiarities.  A  permanent  variety  (Black 
Hawk  breed,  or  Devon  cow,  for  example),  are  animals  whose  pe- 
culiarities were  not  coeval  with  the  tribe,  but  have  arisen,  or  been 
engrafted  on  the  same,  subsequent  to  the  advent  of  their  existence 
and,  therefore,  what  some  may  terra  distinct  species  are,  in  reality^ 
nothing  more  than  permanent  varieties.  The  Shetland  pony, 
therefore,  is  a  permanent  variety.  Circumstances  have  made  him 
just  what  he  is.  He,  being  an  inhabitant  of  a  stormy,  tempestu- 
ous region,  comparatively  destitute  of  shelter  and  artificial  food,  is 
left,  in  many  instances,  like  the  cattle  of  Norway,  (whose  diminu- 
tive size  is  notorious,)  to  seek  such  food  as  the  county  affords ;  and, 
owing  to  their  being  secluded  from  other  horses,  frequent  inter- 
course among  themselves  have  rendered  their  snail  and  peculiar 
forms  permanent  in  the  race  -,  and,  with  unerring  precision,  "  like 
begets  like." 

The  permanent  varieties  that  now  exist  among  the  cattle  of  the 
British  Isles  is  due  to  local  circumstances  and  the  art  of  man. 
Most  of  the  fine  breeds  now  owned  by  English  hu.sban<lmcn  are 
named  after  the  location  in  which  they  are  said  to  originate. 
These  are  permanent  varieties,  yet  the  most  of  them  (in  fact  all, 
except  importations)  are  descendants  of  the  "Wild  or  White 
Forest  breed."  Hence  the  Highland  breed,  dispersed  over  the 
mountains  of  North  Britain;  the  Alderncy,  of  the  Norman  Isles; 
and  the  Devon,  from  the  Bristol  Channel,  etc.,  are  all  permanent 
rarieties,  originally  of  the  AVhite  F'-rest  breed.     Yorkshire  ii 


312  DADD'S   veterinary    >rEDICIN"E    AND    SURGERY. 

celebrated  for  the  production  of  a  permanent  variety  of  liorses 
known  as  "  Clevelands."  They  are  an  ancient  and  unmixed  race. 
Their  bodies  have  peculiar  markings,  and  if  a  foal  should  be  born 
without  them,  the  owner  would  give  orders  for  its  immediate 
destruction.  I  presume  it  is  now  understood  what  is  meant  by 
permanent  variety. 

Animals  become  Parents  too  early. 

Victor  Gilbert  never  allowed  ewes  to  have  lambs  until  they 
had  passed  their  third  year,  and  the  bucks  were  never  used  until 
they  had  arrived  at  full  maturity.  He,  as  well  as  many  other 
sagacious  stock-raisers  that  I  might  name,  are  probably  conver- 
sant with  the  fact  that,  during  the  period  of  growth  and  develop- 
ment up  to  maturity,  the  reproductive  organs  are  dormant,  while, 
at  the  same  time,  the  nutritive  function  was  wholly  engaged  in 
elaborating  chyle  and  blood  for  the  development  of  bone,  muscle, 
and  nerve  ;  and  that  by  calling  into  requisition  the  reproductive 
or  generative  organs  before  the  animal  had  attained  full  growth, 
must  necessarily  divert  the  elements  of  matter  intended  for  nutri- 
tion from  their  legitimate  channel,  and  direct  them  to  the  repro- 
ductive organs.  This  is  precisely  what  takes  place.  A  too  early 
use  of  the  purely  animal  functions  induces  weakness  and  stunted 
growth. 

The  author  remembers  that,  in  his  school-boy  days,  it  was  cus- 
tomary, so  soon  as  a  boy  had  accumulated  a  few  pence,  to  invest 
the  same  in  a  rabbit  (a  favorite  animal  at  that  period)  ;  conse- 
quently we  had  a  community  of  juvenile  rabbit-raisers  ;  and  from 
the  results  of  past  experience,  as  observed  by  the  older  boys,  a  rule 
was  adopted  among  us  that  the  doe  should  not  be  put  to  the  buck 
until  she  had  attained  full  maturity.  The  reason  assigned  for  this 
rule  was,  "  Early  breeding  prevented  the  doe  from  growing."  The 
facts  were  evident ;  still  we  knew  not  the  why  nor  wherefore,  but 
acted  on  the  spur  of  experience.  Physiologists  have  assigned  the 
above  as  the  true  cause,  and  have,  in  their  writings,  pointed  out 
the  woeful  results  which  often  follow  a  too  early  use  of  the  purely 
animal  functions  and  organs.  I  seriously  urge  farmers  to  give 
this  subject  that  attention  which  it  evidently  demands.  By  so 
doing  they  will  prevent  many  of  the  unnecessary  abortions  which 
are  almost  constantly  occurring.     Among  the  higher  orders  of 


BREEDING,  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  SAME.  313 

rtfcation  the  same  law  holds  good.     In  fact,  there  can  be  no  devi- 
ation from  it  without  incurring  the  hazard  of  paying  the  penalty. 

Heifers  should  never  be  put  to  the  bull  until  they  have  attained 
the  age  of  three  or  four  years.  At  this  period  they  are  in  their 
prime.  If  they  happen  to  have  acquired  too  much  fat,  their  daily 
allowance  must  be  reduced. 

Human  growth,  according  to  the  best  authority,  ceases  between 
the  ages  of  twenty  and  twenty-five.  In  very  warm  regions,  how- 
ever, where  development  and  decay  are  universally  allowed  to  be 
more  rapid,  the  inhabitants  oome  to  maturity  much  earlier.  A 
superior  class  of  human  beings  can  only  be  produced  by  selectiocfl 
and  exclusions  similar  to  those  so  successfully  employed  in  rear- 
ing the  inferior  orders.  We  may  rejoice  in  a  Fulton,  Franklin, 
or  Webster  occasionally,  (by  mere  accident,)  the  parents  of  such 
being  absolutely  ignorant  of  the  first  principles  of  physiology 
but,  in  the  breeder's  language,  such  are  in  possession  of  the  "  pre- 
requisites." In  the  first  place,  they  had  not  entered  the  marriage 
relationship  prior  to  the  age  of  reason.  The  parents,  if  we  mis- 
take not,  were  full-grown  men  and  women,  not  boya  nor  girls. 
They  possibly  possessed  a  sound  mind  and  healthy  constitution, 
free  from  hereditary  defect  of  mind  and  body,  which  stunted 
growtli,  aided  by  artificial  modes  of  life,  are  almost  sure  to  entail. 
Until  within  a  few  years,  a  wise  and  salutary  law  was  in  oper- 
ation in  the  British  Isles  which  interdicted  marriage  until  the 
candidates  had  arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  That  law  has 
been  set  aside,  and,  consequently,  the  mass  of  the  population  of 
the  present  day  will  not  bear  comparison  with  that  of  the  past. 

One  safeguard,  therefore,  against  stunted  growth  and  ill-health 
is  to  avoid  a  too  early  use  of  the  reproductive  function.  And  here- 
in we  are  not  safe  unless  proper  selections  have  been  made,  and 
faulty  animals  or  persons  rejected.  I  am  persuaded  that  if  hus- 
bandmen of  these  United  States  could  all  view  this  important 
matter  in  its  right  light,  a  very  decided  improvement  would  soon 
be  the  result.  The  subject  will,  however,  eventually  command 
the  attention  of  all. 

!Many  persons  urge  that  the  ofispring  of  blood  relatives  are 
weak,  nervous,  deficient  in  intellect,  complete  idiots,  etc.,  and 
that  further  intercourse  in  the  same  direction  only  makes  bad 
worse.  These  are  facts  which  can  not  be  controverted,  yet  the 
ffeakness,  ncrvou.^nc.'^s,  etc..  tlues  not  occur  from  the  relationship 


3i4  DADUS   VETERINARY    i\TEDIC[NE  AND  SURGERY, 

which  exists  between  the  parties,  but  is  the  result  of  their  defeo 
tivp  constitutions.  Many  of  the  cousin-marriages  are  entered  into 
without  the  k^ast  regard  to  the  rational  theory  cf  selection  and 
rejection.  The  q.uostion  is  one  of  interest,  not  of  utility.  These 
blood  connections  are  consummated  merely  to  retain  property  in 
families,  and  to  satisfy  the  caprices  of  doting  parents,  superannu- 
ated uncles,  and  disappointed  maiden  aunts;  and  thus  many  ar 
idiotic  or  emaciated  sprig  of  aristocracy  unites  his  destinies  with  t 
fashionable  coushi  the  very  counterpart  of  himself,  both  inherit- 
ing  family  defects  of  precisely  similar  character.  Should  they  be 
blessed  (cursed,  rather)  with  offspring,  may  we  not  expect  a  min- 
iature of  the  originals?  "Without  due  attention  to  avoiding  dis- 
ease, it  will  increase  in  the  progeny." 

Among  the  human  species,  therefore,  where  the  objects  are  of 
such  immense  importance  to  present  and  future  generations,  the 
principles  of  selection  and  rejection  are  entirely  overlooked.  We 
pay  more  attention  to  the  principles  of  breeding  in  cattle  than  we 
do  to  those  applicable  also  to  their  lord  and  master.  Hence  the 
faults  and  defects  alluded  to  are  not  the  result  of  close  affinities, 
but  result  from  our  indifference  or  ignorance  of  the  laws  of  life. 

Objections  to  In-and-in  Bkpeding  Answered. 

The  two  preceding  paragraphs  are  biief  answers  to  the  objec- 
tions against  the  sexual  congress  of  blood-relations ;  yet,  as  other 
evidence  than  my  own,  and  of  a  more  general  character,  may  be 
demanded  by  the  reader,  I  have  thought  it  best  to  introduce  other 
testimony.  The  following  quotations  are  from  the  pen  of  P.  S. 
HuMBRiCKSON,  of  Ohio,  published  as  a  "  Prize  Essay :  " 

"Many  object  to  what  has  been  termed  in-and-in  breeding 
Indeed,  with  most  of  those  who  do  so,  theii  objections  a-ssume 
the  form  of  a  very  strong  prejudice.  This  is  attributable  to  a 
certain  confusion  in  their  minds,  by  which  reasons,  wherein  there 
is  no  proper  connection,  are  made,  with  the  aid  of  imagination,  to 
assume  a  form  of  mutual  dependence  and  coherence  in  support  of 
their  theory.  In  the  human  family,  marriages  within  the  Lcvitical 
degree,  or,  as  they  are  also  called,  incestuous  marriages,  are  for- 
bidden. But  the  prohibition  rests  exclusively  upon  roortl,  and 
not  at  all  upon  natural  or  physical  reasons ;  yet  the  nir<ict  f.hys- 
ical  calamities  are  imagined  to  pursue  the  infringement  r.f  tJ»at  Ifw 


BRELDI.XG,  AND  THE  rillNCli'I.ES  OF  THE  SAME.  316 

Ufow,  it  would  seem  that  where  the  moral  reasons  in  favor  of  an 
enactment  are  suflBcient  not  only  to  justify  but  to  demand  it,  no 
more  should  be  required.  And  this  is  in  accordance  with  the 
soundest  rules  of  philosophizing.  Moreover,  if  no  such  moral 
reason  existed,  the  authority  of  the  Lawgiver,  in  the  case  of  the 
divine  law,  is  a  sufficient  foundation  and  warrant  for  it ;  and  the 
human  law  is  bound  by  and  but  follows  the  divine.  Shall  we, 
then,  take  the  step  beyond,  and  apply  to  the  inferior  animal  the 
rule  that  was  intended  for  rational,  accountable  man  ?  We  know 
that,  il'  left  to  his  own  observation  and  experience,  and  being  him- 
self the  judge,  the  objector  must  avouch  the  fact  that,  in  the  state 
of  Xature,  there  is  no  restraint,  and  that  such  connections  are  and 
must  be  continually  taking  place. 

The  Advaiitages  of  In-and-in  Breeding. 

"  And  if  there  are  advantages  arising  from  the  having  placed  in 
the  line  of  the  direct  ancestry,  near  and  remote,  of  our  flocks,  a 
great  number  of  approved  individuals,  both  maie  and  female,  aa 
has  been  seen,  it  follows  that  there  mEst  be  far  greater  advantages 
arising  from  the  having  the  same  one  individual  (if  he  be  of  marked 
superiority)  placed  in  that  line  the  greatest  possible  number  of 
times.  This  is  done  by  in-and-in  breeding,  and  is  the  object  of  it. 
Now,  it  is  easier  to  Snd  this  one  unsurpassed  individual  than  to 
find  many ;  for  in  the  many  there  will,  most  certainly,  be  one  to 
be  preferred  to  all  the  rest.  Then,  under  the  operation  or  the 
principle  of  atavism,  the  chances  that  the  re.semblance  of  such  un- 
equaled  ancestor  will  be  obtained  must  be  in  the  ratio  of  the 
number  of  times  that  he  occurs  in  the  ascending  lines;  hence 
greater  uniformity  and  greater  excellence  in  all  the  j)rogeny. 
An  apt  illustration  of  this  is  found  in  the  frequent  occurrence  of 
the  Godolphin  Arabian,  in  the  padigrees  of  all  our  best  blooded 
horses,  carried  back  to  him  as  their  founder." 

In  conclusion,  the  author  offers  the  following,  in  view  not  oulf 
of  benefiting  the  horse,  but  his  owner  also. 

The  Importance  op  Studying  Anatomy  aitd  Phy8ioi>ogy. 

There  is  an  aphorism  which  is  said  to  have  emanated  from  a 
Divine  source,  and  it  appeals  to  the  intelligence  of  this  enlightened 


316  DADDS  Vi::TERINARY  MEDKINE  AND  SURGERY. 

and  progressive  generation  with  peculiar  force.  It  is,  "  KnoTi 
thyself."  To  understand  our  moral,  intellectual,  and  physical 
natures  and  tendencies  should  be  the  business  of  every  one.  The 
cultivation  of,  and  proper  direction  given  to,  the  former,  bi'ing  ua 
within  the  hale  of  health,  purity,  and  peace.  A  knowledge  of  Ihe 
physical  or  physiological  laws  of  life,  and  in  practicing  fidelity  to 
what  they  teach,  places  us  on  the  high  road  to  health  and  long  life. 
Anatonii'cal  and  physiological  acquirements  are  needed  by  every 
one,  in  order  that  we  may  know  ourselves,  and  thus  be  able  to 
preserve  our  wondrous  mechanism,  "the  harp  of  a  thousand 
strings,"  in  its  normal  condition;  for  without  health  we  can  not 
enjoy  life,  nor  answer  the  purposes  for  which  we  were  created. 

AVe  have  the  testimony  of  learned  men,  and  our  own  reflective 
minds  confirm  the  facts,  that  an  alarming  number  of  premature 
deaths,  and  an  untold  amount  of  physical  infirmities,  are  the  result 
of  either  our  ignorance  of,  or  indifference  to,  the  uncompromising 
laws  of  Nature.  The  rational  being,  free  from  hereditary  taint, 
of  mental  or  physical  deformities,  comes  into  the  world  with  all 
that  is  essential  to  his  future  life  and  happiness.  He  has  within 
his  organization  a  radiant  volume  of  intellectuality,  organized, 
compiled,  and  bound  by  the  Divine  hand,  the  first  glimmer  of 
which  reveals  something  adapted  to  present  and  future  wants  and 
necessities.  The  intellectual  spark,  once  ignited,  is  capable  of  an 
tndless  increase.  We  can  add  ray  to  ray,  j^ower  on  power,  until 
the  God-like  man  acquires  the  mental  greatness  of  a  Webster,  oi 
the  mechanical  skill  and  distinction  of  a  Fulton.  We  do  not 
expect  that  all  can  become  Websters  and  Fultons,  because  we  do 
not  all  practice  that  invariable  perseverance  and  stern  energy 
characteristic  of  giant  intellect  and  mechanical  skill.  We  are  not 
all  willing  to  toil,  mentally  or  physically,  with  that  perseverance 
and  industry  so  necessary  to  success;  and  if  we  were  willing,  after 
having  attained  maturity  or  manhood,  our  minds  and  bodies  being 
trained  and  molded  for  station  and  circumstances,  are  then  not  so 
well  adapted,  -ds  in  youth,  for  increase  and  power.  Still,  at  thia 
period  of  life,  we  are  not  destitute  of  the  means  of  self-culture. 

We  are  living  illustrations  of  progressive  mental  capacities 
which  often  transpire  in  men  past  the  meridian  of  life,  who, 
before  that  period,  never  considered  themselves  favored  in  this 
line.  How  unfortunate  it  is,  therefore,  that  the  generality  of 
mankind  should  be  so  indifferent  about  the  science  of  life,  and  b* 


bREEDINO,  AND  THE  PRINCIPLES  Of  THE  3AME.  317 

BO  slow  in  making  it  the  basis  of  rational  action  in  warding  off 
disease,  and  in  pi-omoting  the  integrity  of  their  existence !  The 
reason  is,  our  education  is  incomplete.  We  are  all  that  Nature 
intended  in  elementary  ability,  and  only  deficient  in  Its  use. 
The  means  are  anatomical  and  physiological  studies;  the  time  is 
ill  youth,  when  the  mind  is  ])liant,  capable  of  receiving  permanent 
impressions.  The  place  for  the  engrafting  of  the  same  is  in  our 
cmmon  schools  and  at  the  fireside,  the  mother  and  the  teacher 
^•ielding  a  common  scepter  of  instruction. 

Some  people  do  not  realize  that  our  organizations  are  the  result 
of  the  most  positive  laws  of  Nature,  and  that  our  ailments  are  the 
result  of  our  own  ignorance  or  folly.  The  mass  of  mankind  are 
not  aware  that  our  ]>hysical  systems  are  capable  of  improvement 
analagous  to  the  mental.  No;  they  generally  think  and  act  on 
the  false  and  ruinous  proposition  that  our  diseases,  aches,  and 
pains  are  so  woven  into  the  filamentary  mechanism  of  the  living 
citadel  as  to  be  beyond  the  power  of  either  art  or  science  to  eradi- 
cate— a  proposition  that  should  never,  for  a  moment,  be  enter- 
tained;  for,  if  wc  live  right  up  to  the  laws  of  life,  we  are  then 
within  the  impregnable  ram])arts  of  j)hysiol()gy,  where  our  ac- 
quired and  ihshionable  maladies  can  not  obtain. 

Within  the  bulwarks  of  physiology  certain  conditions  are  im- 
posed upon  us,  and  we  must  observe  them.  For  example,  we 
require  a  pure  atmosphere,  at  all  times,  to  vitalize  the  blood,  and 
thus  deprive  it  of  tliose  defiling  elements  acquired  by  venous  blood; 
and  which  would  otherwise  o])erate,  as  they  often  do,  in  oui 
crowded  assemblies  and  unventilatcd  sleeping-rooms,  as  the  germs 
to  excite  unnecessary  disease.  Next,  the  body  should  be  ke})t  erect, 
po  tliat  the  muscles  and  organs  may  acquire  and  maintain  natural 
action.  We  require  vigorous  daily  exercise  of  all  the  muscles  of 
voluntary  motion  ;  freedom  from  all  compression  by  dress;  apparel 
that  sliall  afford  needed  protection ;  a  quantity  of  food  and  drink, 
at  intervals,  that  shall  furnish  materials  for  the  wants  of  our  sys- 
tems, and  that  control  of  feeling  which  enlightened  reason  and 
virtue  demand.  Our  time  should  be  distributed  into  daily  periods 
of  labor,  rest,  and  amusement ;  and,  above  all,  we  must  bear  in 
mind  that  infirmity  wedded  to  infirmity  is  a  sin  against  our  na- 
ture— a  wanton  violation  of  the  law  of  Nature  and  of  ou"^  existence, 
to  which  a  fearful  penalty  is  appended,  even  unto  the  "third  and 
fourth  crenerations." 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

The  faithful  observance  of  the  physiological  laws  of  Nature  re- 
Bult  in  health  and  strength,  and  promote  longevity.  Such  is  the 
fruit  which  the  tree  of  knowledge  beareth.  The  non-observanc* 
of  tliese  laws  of  life  places  us  on  a  par  with  the  poor  idiot,  whej. 
sporting  with  the  implements  of  self-destruction,  and  fiimish  js  to 
as  the  forbidden  fruit.  Health  depends  entirely  on  the  use  which 
we  make  of  the  various  organs  and  f^mctions  of  the  body.  Health 
never  comes  to  us  or  our  live  stock  by  virtue  of  good  luck.  Nouc 
are  healthy  by  special  Providence  or  Divine  favor.  Neither  can 
health  be  found  in  the  popular  nostrums  of  the  day  on  the  proceeds 
af  which  quacks  grow  fat  and  wealthy,  and  patients  often  be- 
come poverty-stricken,  and  finally  sink  into  the  arms  of  Death,  Id 
bli&sful  ignorance  of  what  brought  them  there.  Much  of  what  ia 
here  ^^ritten  is  equally  true  regarding  horses  and  cattle.  Many  of 
the^r  diseases  spring  from  the  same  causes  which  are  operative  or 
ihe  Laman  subject;  hence,  knowledge  of  the  above  descripti<»i  if 
erhat  all  tntetcbted  should  seek  after. 


BBM^^dH^BI^g^^^^s 

^^^ 

BBHIJM 

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HftH'yjfflj 

1 

ggJBJ^J^gfjjSj^tL,^. 

■^JrMfci 

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1 

SECTION  XII. 

LAMENESS    FROM    VARIOUS    CAUSES 

OVBBa — Elbow  Tumor — Capped  Hock — Varix,  or  Boo  Spavik — Airopht,  on 
Wabtinq  op  Muscles — Thorough-pin — Navicular  Disease,  or  Lahenebh — 
Pleuro-dtnia — Acute  Rheumatism  —  Chronic  Rheumatism — Rinq-bone — 
Splint — Spavin — Osteo  Porosis — Curvature  of  the  Spine — Hoof-bound — 
Lakinitis — Sandcrack — Quarter  Crack — Navicular  Thritis — Stifle  Ooi 
-Cohtbactiok  of  thb  Hoof — Bowed  Legs — Corns — Lamkness. 

Curbs. 

CURB  consists  of  sprain  of  the  posterior  ligament  of  the  hock, 
kno^vn  as  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament.  It  is  thus  named 
in  consequence  of  being  inserted  into  the  oscalcis  and  cuboid  bones. 
The  tumefaction  is  usually  confined  to  the  skin  and  subcellular 
tissue.  At  first  the  part  is  hot  and  painful,  and  the  animal  is 
lame— does  not  flex  the  hock  in  a  natural  manner;  yet,  when 
standing  still,  the  horse  keeps  the  lower  part  of  the  limb  flexed, 
so  as  to  relieve  the  overstrained  tendon.  The  liability  or  predis- 
position to  the  disease  lurks  in  breed.  Such  horses  are  observ^cd 
to  have  ill-shaped  hocks.  Such  have  been  denominated  "cow- 
hocks."  The  parts  are  not  symmetrical.  There  is  an  obvious 
disproportion  between  the  width  of  the  parts  above  and  below  the 
hock,  which  gives  it  an  angular  appearance ;  and  the  more  angu- 
larity there  is,  the  more  liability  is  there  to  sprain,  because  there 
id  too  much  tension  cm  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament. 

Chrises. — The  exciting  causes  of  curb  are  sprain,  occurring  in 
the  act  of  backing  a  heavy  load,  or  in  leaping;  in  short  the  per- 
formance of  any  feat  that  violently  calls  into  play  the  flexor 
nmscles  and  tendons  of  the  hind  extremities ;  hence  stallions  with 
feulty  hocks,  when  used  for  procreation,  are  very  apt  to  beeomt 
the  P'.ibject  of  curb. 


320 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


ExPlAKATIOir. 

1  1.  Curbs,  or  enlargement  in  the  region  of  the  back  or  posterior  part  of  the  hock,  an  affeo* 
tion  l^nown  to  veterinarians  as  sprain  ofthe  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament. 

2.  Elbow  tumor,  or  enlargement  at  the  point  of  the  elbow.  The  point  of  Sie  elbow  correa. 
ponds  to  the  olecranon  of  man. 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES  321 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  the  injury  is  discovered,  the  part  should 
be  fomented  often  with  either  an  infusion  of  hops  or  poppy- 
heads.  It  is  best  to  apply  the  infusion  cold,  and  by  means  of  a 
sponge,  the  animal  being  kept  at  rest  during  the  acute  stage. 
Sometimes,  in  view  of  relieving  the  tension  of  the  sprained  liga- 
ment, it  is  customary  to  tack  on  a  high-heeled  shoe.  This  may 
or  may  not  be  necessary,  and  depends  on  the  severity  of  the  case. 
After  having  modified  the  inflammatory  action,  the  high-heeled 
ghoe  may  be  dispensed  with.  Then,  in  order  to  get  rid  of  the 
chronic  enlargement,  the  part  must  be  daily  anointed,  for  a  short 
time,  with  a  portion  of  the  following : 

No.  45.  Powdered  iodine. 1  dr. 

Simple  ointment 7  dr. 

Mix. 

After  a  short  time,  the  animal  may  be  put  to  light  work,  still 
making  an  occasional  application  of  the  iodine  ointment. 

Should  the  parts  about  the  hock  degenerate  into  a  hard  calloua, 
fi-iction  with  cod-liver  oil  may  be  employed.  Should  this  fail  to 
nave  the  desired  effect,  then  make  a  few  applications  of  the  acetate 
of  cantharides,  prepared  as  follows : 

No.  46.  Acetic  acid  (fluad) 1  o%. 

Water 6  os. 

Powdered  cautharides 1  dr. 

Mix. 

Elbow  Tumob. 

Elbow  tumor  (see  cut  on  preceding  page,  fig.  2,)  is  usually  re- 
cognized as  "capped  elbow."  It  sometimes  grows  to  an  enor- 
mous size,  and  not  only  becomes  unsightly,  but  seriously  interferes 
with  the  action  of  the  elbow  and  its  articulation.  At  first,  the 
part  is  hot,  inflamed,  and  tender.  Soon  effusion  takes  place; 
then  the  part  is  soft  and  fluctuating ;  next,  albumen  is  deposited, 
and  this,  finally,  is  metamorphosed  into  fibrine,  at  which  stage  the 
tumor  is  large  and  dense ;  the  walls  of  the  skin  are  also  very  much 
thickened ;  in  fact,  when  di.ssecting  out  the  tumor,  it  appears  that 
the  skin  is  in  a  state  of  hypertrophy,  or  morbid  growth.  How- 
ever, there  is  usually  a  central  orifice  in  the  tumor  which  seema 
to  indicate  that  the  first  trouble  originated  in  a  bursal  sac,  from 
RXtemal  injury,  either  by  the  calking  of  the  shoe  or  the  tof  of  the 
21 


322  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

hind  foot;  or  it  may  arise  from  a  bruise  inflicted  in  the  &ct  of 
lying  down  on  a  hard  floor. 

Th-eatment. — In  the  early  stage,  and  when  there  is  nothing  bul 
fluid  in  the  sac,  an  opening  should  be  made  into  the  lower  part  of 
it,  by  means  of  a  thumb  lancet.  After  the  fluid  has  been  evacu- 
ated, by  pressure,  inject  into  it  an  astringent,  composed  of  pyro lig- 
neous acid  and  water,  ecjual  parts;  and  rub  the  exterior  of  the 
tumor,  twice  daily,  with  a  small  quantity  of  eod-liv^er  oil.  The 
cod-liver-oil  will  act  as  a  glandular  stimulant,  and  thus  aid  in  the 
absorption  of  the  tumor.  A  seton,  inse»-ted  through  the  tumor, 
sometimes  has  a  very  good  effect  ?  but  if  the  tumor  be  large  and 
onsightly,  the  services  of  a  surgeon  will  be  required  for  its  removal, 
by  means  of  the  scalpel. 

Capped  Hock. 

Capped  hock  consists  of  tumefaction,  or  enlargement  at  the 
point  of  the  hock.  Occurring,  as  it  does,  at  a  very  prominent 
and  exposed  part  of  the  limb,  it  is  almost  sure  to  attract  notice  j 
hence  is  not  only  an  eye-sore,  but  a  seric  is  defect,  and,  if  accom- 
panied by  lameness,  the  animal  may  be  jironmmced  unsound, 
during  the  period  of  lameness.  The  tumor  is  the  result  of  enlarge- 
ment of  a  synovial  sac  which  lies  between  the  bone  and  the  tendon 
gastrocnemii.  This  sac  contains  synovia,  and  it  is  furnished  for 
the  purpose  of  lubricating  the  parts  for  the  prevention  of  friction. 
The  skin,  also,  becomes  thickened,  or,  rather,  is  in  a  state  of  hy- 
pertrophy (morbid  growth),  which  add  largely  to  the  size  of  the 
tum^^r. 

Qiuses. — Capped  hock  is  generally  produced  by  a  blow  or 
bruise.  It  is  almost  always  occasioned  by  the  whifile-tree  coming 
in  contact  with  the  parts.  The  animal  may,  however,  injure  the 
parts  in  the  act  of  kicking.  The  parts  may  alfso  be  ])ruised  in  the 
act  of  lying  down  or  rising  in  the  stall.  Therefore,  not  knowing 
any  other  cause  for  capped  hock,  we  may  safely  infer  that  it  is  the 
r^ult  of  external  injury. 

TVeatrnent. — In  the  early  or  inflammatory  stage,  refrigerating 
lotions  are  indicated.     Take  of 

No.  47.  Sal  ammonia , 1  oz. 

Nitrate  of  potass 1   oz. 

Water I   pint. 


LAMENESS,  FRO:\I  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  32& 

Sponge  the  part  quite  often,  for  a  day  or  two,  until  the  heat  and 
attendant  pain  subsides;  after  which  the  aifection  will  run  on  to 
the  chronic  stage,  and  perhaps  acquire  magnitude ;  then  the  treat- 
ment must  be  altered.  The  object  now  is  to  excite  absorption. 
In  that  view,  I  recommend  the  following : 

No    i8.  Powdered  iodide  of  potass 2     dr. 

Yellow  basilicon 1-^  oz. 

Mix. 

Apply  a  portion  of  this  ointment  to  the  enlargement,  morning 
and  evening. 

Varix  (known  AS  Bog  Spavin). 

Varix,  or  "  bog  spavin,"  consists  of  an  enlargement  on  th.e  in- 
side of  the  hock,  corresponding  to  a  disease  of  the  same  character 
in  the  human  subject  known  as  varicose  veins.  It  very  rarely 
produces  lameness,  and  most  writers  contend  that  it  is  nothing 
more  than  an  eye-sore.  Be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  a  defect,  and,  in 
the  tye  of  the  law,  constitutes  unsoundness,  simply  from  the  fact 
that  soundness  consists  in  perfection  of  function  and  sti'ucture,  and, 
also,  because  sound  horses  do  not  have  defects  of  this  character. 
The  enlargement  does  not  generally  impair  the  usefulness  of  the 
animal  for  ordinary  work;  yet  sometimes,  in  consequence  of  over- 
work or  sprain,  the  tumor  acquires  magnitude. 

It  is  always  dangerous  to  attempt  to  remove  varix,  or  to  punc- 
ture it ;  and  the  only  proper  method  of  treatment,  in  view  of  lim- 
iting its  growth,  for  it  can  not  be  cured,  is  to  bathe  it  often  with 
the  following  astringent  lotion  : 

No.  49.  Fluid  extract  of  witch-hazel 2  oa. 

Fluid  extract  of  bayberry  bark 4  oz. 

Proof  spirit 1  pint. 

Mix. 

Bog  spavin  is  an  indication  of  weak  and  faulty  hocks,  imless  it 
can  be  shown  that  the  animal  has  been  made  to  labor  too  early  in 
life,  or  has  performed  excessive  work  beyond  his  capacity.  Then 
the  aifection  can  be  accounted  for,  and  may  not  owe  its  origin  to 
eithei  fault  or  defect. 


324  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Ateophy,  or  Wastixg  of  Muscles  in  the  Region  of 
THE  Shoulder-blade,  (known  as  Sweeny.) 

Atrophy  signifies  wasting  of  muscles,  in  which  diseased  parts 
become  notably  smaller  than  those  of  the  natural,  without  other 
alteration  in  texture.  The  author  has  had  several  opportunities 
of  examining  horses  that  have  died  in  consequence  of  disease  or 
old  age,  who,  during  life,  were  the  subjects  of  what  is  known  as 
sweeny,  and  found  that  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder  had  quite  a 
pale  appearance,  somewhat  resembling  those  of  a  calf  which  had 
been  bled  to  death.  A  condensation  or  wasting  of  muscular  fiber 
was  verv  apparent;  the  cellular  membrane  under  the  skin  had 
almost  disappeared,  merely  by  condensation  and  contraction  of  the 
skin  over  the  region  of  the  parts,  which  contraction  occurs  in  con- 
sequence of  shrinkage  of  the  muscles  beneath  the  skin. 


A  FOUNDERED   OB   DEAD   LAME   HORSE.      (See  p.  ?3fy.^ 

Causes. — As  regards  the  cause  of  atrophy,  it  is  a  well-known 
fact  that  inaction  of  a  muscle  produces  a  notable  decrease  in  size. 
The  muscles  of  laboring  men  decrease  in  size  whenever,  from 
choice  or  necessity,  the  individual  leads  a  sedentary  life.  A  limb 
kept  at  rest  for  any  length  of  time  undergoes  more  or  less  atrophy 
(wasting).  In  some  cases,  the  foot  diseases,  so  common,  arc  of 
that  character  as  to  ca*ise  the  subjects  much  pain  in  progression; 


LAMENESS,  FROM  NARIOUS  CAUSES.  326 

and,  in  order  to  relieve  the  feet,  the  horse  spares  the  muscles,  which, 
for  want  of  free  and  full  action,  leads  to  diminished  nuH^ion  .tnd 
wasting  (atrophy).  Some  of  the  readers  of  this  work  must  have 
noticed  the  fact  of  the  shrinking  of  the  muscles  of  the  haunch  in 
case  of  disease  or  severe  lameness  of  one  of  the  hiud  feet.  This 
Bhrinkage  often  occurs,  as  in  the  case  of  the  shoulder,  from  want 
of  natural  action  and  full  play  of  the  muscles  concerned.  We 
have  ample  proof  that  wasting  is  the  result  of  want  of  action,  in 
the  fact  that  when  a  horse  becomes  the  subject  of  a  painful  disease 
in  the  hind  foot,  he  neither  advances  nor  rotates  the  limb  any 
more  than  he  can  possibly  help,  but  holds  the  foot  up,  sometimes 
points  it.  On  examination,  the  atrophy,  or  wasting,  is  confined  to 
the  muscles  which  perform  these  two  actions ;  and  in  the  case  of 
pain  or  lameness  in  one  of  the  fore-feet,  the  same  faulty  action  is 
observable,  and  the  same  class  of  muscles  (whose  action  is  almost 
identical  with  that  of  the  hind  parts)  are  the  ones  affected. 

The  author  deems  it  of  great  importance  that  husbandmen 
should  fully  understand  this  subject ;  for  it  will  enable  them  to 
perceive  that,  while  inflating  horses'  shoulders  with  a  quill,  or 
practicing  any  other  absurd  treatment  in  the  vicinity  of  the  wasted 
or  sweenied  ^lioulder,  they  are  overlooking  the  real  malady  (in 
the  foot),  and  at  best  are  only  treating  symptoms.  On  careful 
examination,  however,  shoukl  it  a])pear  that  the  patient  is  free 
from  any  disorder  of  the  foot  or  feet,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  it  la 
clearly  evident  that  myositis  or  myalgia  (muscular  pain)  exists, 
then  the  treatment  must  be  directed  to  the  affected  parts.  The 
facts  in  either  case  can  only  be  determined  by  a  competent  pructi 
lioner. 

The  author  has  often  noticed  that  when  horses  have  been  over- 
driv«  J  01-  overworked,  thoy  become  stiff  and  lame  in  thooe  part* 
of  the  body  most  susceptible  to  the  ordinary  influences.  For 
example,  one  horse  may  perform  a  long  journey,  with  a  weighty 
man  on  his  back,  and  the  next  day  show  symptoms  of  lamcnesa 
in  the  lumbar  region.  His  back  is  arched  ;  the  limbs  arc  brought 
miQer  the  center  of  the  body,  and  eveiy  movement  indicates  that 
the  animal  suffers  tormenting  pains,  which  are  located  in  the  mii^ 
cles  of  the  back.  This  is  myositis,  or  inllammation  of  the  muscular 
fiber.  Sometimes,  however,  tlie  malady  constitutes  myalgia  (mus- 
cniar  pain  and  spasm),  unaccompanied  by  inflammatory  actiofi. 
AjQother  horse  may  be  put   to  a  similar  kind  of  work.  and.  in  a 


326  DADDS   VETKRlNARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEF.  F. 

few  hours  afterward,  be  found  stiff  and  lume.  But  the  syinptomt 
are  not  the  same  as  those  just  recorded.  The  pathology  is  proba- 
bly identical ;  it  is  the  same  disease,  only  it  has  a  different  locality. 
It  i«  myositis  of  the  pectoral  muscles,  involving,  also,  the  muscles 
of  the  sKoulder-blades.  And  the  intelligent  owner  of  the  afflicted 
anifual  will  notice  that  the  fore  extremities  are  unnaturally  ad- 
vanced ;  the  foreparts  of  the  body  are  unnaturally  hot  and  tender; 
the  P" re-feet  are  feverish,  and  the  hoofs  are  hotter  still.  The  ad- 
vaiijed  position  of  the  fore  extremities  and  shoulders  gives  a  very 
marked  hollo wness  to  the  forepart  of  the  chest,  and  many  men, 
on  seeing  such  a  case,  would  declare  that  the  animal  was  chest- 
foundered,  this  being  the  name  which  is  sometimes  given  to  such 
a  condition ;  but  it  is  really  owing  to  myalgia  (muscular  pain  and 
stiffness). 

It  is  well-known  that  all  muscles  are  subject  to  inflammatory 
action  and  muscular  pain  from  work  disproportionate  to  their 
strength.  For  example,  let  any  man  undertake  to  saw  wood, 
practice  with  heavy  dumb-bells,  or  ride  on  a  horse — feats  that  he 
has  never  been  accustomed  to — and,  whether  the  labor  be  excessive 
or  not,  the  individual  will  shortly  complain  of  more  or  less  mus- 
cular pain ;  and  if  he  be  a  weak  man,  the  more  excessive  will  be 
that  pain.  Now,  the  muscles  of  the  horse,  being  just  as  suscepti- 
ble to  pain  as  those  of  man,  are  just  as  easily  operated  on  through 
the  well-known  exciting  causes. 

Symjitoms. — In  the  case  of  a  horse,  when  the  work  has  been  ex- 
cessive, and  of  a  character  to  bring  the  muscles  of  the  shoulders, 
their  tendons  and  coverings,  into  a  state  of  over-exertion,  it  will 
often  be  found  that  some  of  the  muscular  fibers  in  the  region  of  the 
shoulder  are  fractured,  small  blood-vessels  are  ruptured,  and  other 
pathological  changes  take  place.  This  is  followed  by  inflamma-tion 
(myositis)  Suppose,  therefore,  a  horse  shows  symptoms  of  myo- 
sitis after  excessive  work,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few  days,  it  is 
noticed  that  the  muscles  of  his  shoulders  are  wasting  away,  and 
continue  to  waste,  so  that  all  persons  who  examine  the  animal 
pronounce  him  sweenied,  we  may  then  infer  that  the  wasting 
(8V.'eeny)  is  not  symptomatic,  but  is  the  result  of  myositis. 

Treatment. — The  principal  treatment  is  rest;  afterward  diminish 
the  work,  and,  by  proper  diet  and  tonics,  increase  the  power  to  dc 
«i.  The  muscular  parts  affected  should  be  bathed,  morning  and 
evening,  with  a  portion  of  the  following: 


L.AMENESS,  FROM   VARIOUS  CAUSES.  327 

No.  60.  Fluid  extract  of  wormwood )        ,    „ 

T^,   •  1       .       ,     f.  )■  each  Z  0%. 

r  luid  extract  oi  poppies j 

Proof  spirits 1  pint. 

Mix. 

Should  the  feet  prove  to  be  very  hot  and  feverish,  frequent 
bathing  with  cold  water,  or  a  cold  infusion  of  hops,  will  have  a 
very  good  effect.  In  the  mean  time  give  the  animal  two  drachma 
of  fluid  extract  of  gelseminnm,  once  or  twice  per  day,  until  the 
feverish  symptoms  subside.  Then,  when  the  case  passes  into  the 
chronic  stage  (sweeny),  the  shoulders  and  wasted  parts  are  to  b« 
well  rubbed,  often,  with  a  portion  of  the  following : 

No.  51.  Fluid  extract  of  ginger 4  oz. 

Gum  camphor 1  oz. 

Olive  oil ^  pint. 

Pulverize  the  gum ;  add  it  to  the  oil,  in  which  it  will  soon  dis- 
solve ;  then  mix  with  it  the  ginger,  and  the  preparation  is  fit  for 
ose. 

Should  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder  waste,  in  consequence  of 
cbronic  disease  or  altered  structure  about  the  hoof  or  within  it, 
Buch  as  ring-bone,  ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages,  etc.,  then  a 
giTong  counter-irritant  must  be  applied,  for  a  w^eek  or  so,  around 
the  coronet.  At  the  same  time  we  should  treat  the  shoulder  as 
above.  A  good  counter-irritant  for  the  coronet  may  be  thus  pre- 
pared: 

No.  52.  Cod-liver  oil }  , 

Kerosene  oil f  equal  parts. 

Mix. 

The  great  trouble  in  chronic  cases  of  this  character  is,  that  it 
csually  takes  a  long  time  to  free  the  animal  irom  lameness,  and  to 
restore  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder  to  their  original  size;  and,  after 
all  we  can  do,  it  may  be  necessary  to  let  the  animal  have  a  run  at 
grass.  It  will  be  advisable,  in  all  chronic  cases,  unless  the  horse 
J>e  ver}'  lame,  to  insure  regular  exercise,  which  will  tend  to  develop 
the  shrunken  muscles. 

The  best  way  to  prevent  sweeny  is  to  keep  the  horse  in  good 
wndition  by  a  rational  use  of  his  muscular  powers,  being  carefui 
lot  to  overtax  them,  and  by  giving  proper  attention  to  bis  feet, 
both  in  ihe  stable  and  at  the  blacksmith's  shop. 


328 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


Thorough-pin. 

The  seat  of  tliorougli-pin  is  between  the  popliteous  (fig.  2)  and 
the  point  of  the  hock,  near  where  the  tendon  is  severed,  as  shown 
in  the  accompanying  engraving.  The  disease  is  called  thorough- 
pin,  simply  because  the  fluid  contained  in  the  bursal  sac  can  be 
squeezed  from  one  side  to  the  other. 


TIEW  OF  SOME  OF  THE  DEEP-SEATED  MUSCLES  IN  THE  BEOION  OF  THE  HOCK  AUB  STir*I. 

Explanation.— 1,  Popliteous;    2,  Flexor  pedis  accessorius ;   3,  Flexor  metatarsi  magnufl; 
4,  The  tendon,  common  both  to  the  flexor  metatarsi  and  extensor  pedis ;  5.  The  groove 

■"■n  which  the  extensor  plays. 

Symj^toms. — The  disease  is  similar  to  bog  spavin  and  wind -galls; 
namely,  enlargement  of  a  synovial  sac.  It  seldom  if  ever  lames 
a  horse,  yet,  when  large,  is  apt  to  interfere  with  the  free  action  of 
the  joint. 

In  former  years  it  was  customary  to  open  thorough-pins  by 
means  of  a  lancet,  in  view  of  evacuating  the  fluid ;  but  many  fatal 


tAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  329 

cases  having  occurred,  the  practice  is  now  discontinued.  Among 
the  many  fatal  cases  recorded  I  select  the  following,  which  has 
been  recorded  in  the  "  Veterinarian,"  by  W.  A.  Wheatley,  V.  S. ; 

"The  subject  was  a  five-year  old  cart-horse,  the  property  of  the 
South-eastern  Railway  Company,  admitted  on  the  1st  of  SeT>tem- 
ber,  1 S55,  with  an  immense  thorough-pin  on  the  off  hock.  The 
animal  being  then  in  a  very  high  condition,  a  support  shoe  was 
placed  on  the  foot  of  the  diseased  limb,  and  the  frequent  applica- 
tion of  cold  water  to  the  diseased  parts  resorted  to,  the  diet  being 
restricted  to  mashes. 

October  6. — The  horse  was  considered  in  a  fit  state  for  the  op- 
eration. Accordingly,  I  had  the  animal  secured  by  a  side  line,  and 
first  punctured  the  enlargement  with  the  exploring-needle,  in  four 
different  places;  but,  as  the  imprisoned  fluid  did  not  escape  so 
readily  as  I  expected,  I  determined  upon  opening  the  part  with 
the  lancet,  which  being  done,  the  fluid  escaped  to  the  amount  of  a 
small  tea-cupful.  It  was  of  a  thin  consistence,  and  of  a  pale  straw 
color.  I  then  applied  bandages  dipped  in  cold  water,  and  kept 
the  hock  constantly  wet. 

October  7. — The  swelling  had  very  slightly  returned.  I  gave 
some  aperient  medicine,  and  continued  the  bandages  with  cold 
water,  and  applied  a  suitable  truss  to  the  hock. 

I  need  not  give  a  report  of  the  case  from  day  to  day.  SuflSoe 
it  to  say  that  the  cold  water  and  the  truss  were  continued  in  use, 
and  the  animal  never  manifested  the  least  inconvenience  from  the 
operation. 

November  21. — He  was  considered  cured,  not  the  least  appear- 
ance of  the  enlargement  being  left. 

November  29. — On  this  day  the  horse  was  attacked  with  abdom- 
inal obstruction,  and,  despite  ail  our  remedial  measures,  consisting 
of  active  purgatives,  as  solution  of  aloes,  calomel,  oleum  lini  et 
crotoni.  with  the  frequent  use  of  medicated  euemata,  counter- 
irritants,  etc.,  he  continued  to  grow  worse  till  the  1st  of  December, 
when  death  took  place.  This  was  the  fourth  attack  of  this  kind 
that  the  animal  had  experienced  while  under  treatment  for  the  dis- 
eased hock." 

The  danger  to  be  apprehended  in  cases  where  an  opening  is 
made  by  the  lancet  arises  from  the  liability  to  synovitis,  (inflamma- 
tion of  the  synovial  membrane,)  which  reacts  sympathetica  ly  OD 
M'e  8y«;tem,  producing  derangement  of  some  of  the  organs  oj  *-^**»- 


330  DADUS   VETERl.\AKY    MEDICINE  AND  SURGEHY. 

tions  of  the  body.     Therefore  1  consider  it  injudicious  to  lay  opec 
a  synovial  ca})sule  in  any  part  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Tlic  safest  method  of  treatment  is  to  puncture  the 
eac,  by  means  of  small  needles.  After  having  evacuated  the  fluid 
through  the  sieve-like  needle-holes,  the  part  is  to  be  smeared  with 
ointment  of  iodine — one  drachm  of  iodine  to  seven  drachms  of 
eimplo  ointment.  Then  api)ly  a  spring  truss,  so  constructed  as  to 
press  on  both  sides  of  the  hock.  By  this  means  the  internal  paris 
of  the  sac  are  kept  in  contact,  and  they  finally  unite.  Thus  the 
enlargement  is  obliterated.  If,  at  any  time  during  the  treatment, 
the  parts  become  hot  or  tender,  discontinue  the  ointment,  and  sub- 
stitute a  pad  on  each  extremity  of  the  truss,  which  are  to  be  kept 
constantly  wet  with  cold  water  until  the  inflammatory  action  dis- 
appears. 

Navicular  Lameness 

Navicular  lameness  is  of  very  frequent  occurrencp  among  horses. 
It  usually  depends  upon  strain  or  injury  of  the  tendon,  known  as 
perforans,  just  where  it  passes  over  the  navicular  bone.  Some- 
times the  navicular  bone  becomes  diseased,  ulcerates,  and  finally 
becomes  fractured ;  at  other  times  the  bone  becomes  the  seat  of 
incrustations,  or  roughing,  and  thus  irritates  the  flexor  tendoL, 
Such  affections  always  cause  pain  and  lameness.  Horses  with  nar- 
row heels,  or  those  laboring  under  contraction  at  the  quarters  and 
heels,  suffer  much  pain  in  the  j)Osterior  or  navicular  region,  in  con- 
sequence of  hoof  pressure  on  tlie  sensitive  parts  of  the  foot. 

A  disease  known  as  navicular  thritis  (inflammation  of  the  parts 
in  the  navicular  region)  often  prevails.  This  is  an  inflammatory 
affection,  very  painful,  and  much  resembles  larainitis)  fever  in  the 
foot). 

Symptoms. — Pointing  of  the  affected  foot;  the  animal,  while 
standing,  throws  the  affected  foot  forward,  by  which  means  the 
weight  of  the  forepart  of  the  body  is  transferred  to  the  other  limb; 
the  animal  has  a  short,  trij>ping  gait,  and  steps  cautiously;  thfc 
muscles  of  the  slioulder  waste;  the  s])iiie  of  the  shoulder-blade  be- 
comes quite  prominent;  and  this  condition  of  the  muscles  is  otTen 
called  sweenv.  We  usually  find,  also,  that  the  heels  are  pinched 
in,  and  the  walls  are  thin  and  weak.  The  liability  to  navicular 
lameness  is  very  great  in  horses  with  narrow  chests,  unrig ht  pas- 
Icrns,  and  outturned  toes.    Other  defects  in  the  loins  exist.    Henot 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  331 

It  is  supposed  that  a  predisposition  to  this  affection  may  lurk  in 
the  breed;  in  fact,  it  is  known  that  a  tendency  to  it  exists  in  the 
progeny  of  certiiiu  horses.  It  is  related  that  the  progeny  of 
"  Young  ^Musician,"  a  thorough-bred  horse,  all  showed  a  tendency 
to  navicular  disease. 

Treatment. — We  lirst  ascertain  whether  the  difficulty  i,  of  an 
«cu<e  or  chrouic  character.  Should  it  have  made  its  aj)j>earauce 
7  ;ry  suddenly,  and  the  part  feels  hot  and  painful,  then  we  dasa 
It  as  the  acute  stage.  Should  the  trouble,  however,  be  of  long 
standing,  it  will  be  in  the  chronic  stage.  In  the  acute  stage,  cold 
water  bandages  must  be  applied  to  the  region  of  the  fetlock,  which 
should  be  kept  wet  with  water,  to  which  may  be  added  a  little 
vinegar,  merely  to  acidulate  the  former;  the  patient  should  be 
kept  at  rest,  and  fed  on  a  light  diet.  In  the  chronic  stage,  coun- 
ter-irritants are  Indicated,  yet  organic  disease  may  be  the  result; 
in  that  event,  the  horse  has  always  a  sort  of  groggy  walk,  and  is 
never  sound. 

Neurotomy  has  been  practiced  in  view  of  treating  this  affection^ 
jut  I  can  not  perceive  how  such  an  operation  can  benefit  a  hors« 
naving  an  organic  difficulty.  Neurotomy  merely  destroys,  for  a 
short  time,  the  sensibility  of  certain  parts  of  the  toot;  but  so  soon 
as  the  divided  nerve  reunites,  sensibility  is  again  restored.  There 
may,  however,  occur  some  form  of  lameness  which  might  be  bene- 
fited by  neurotomy,  but  I  think  the  same  thing  might  be  achieved 
by  counter-irritation,  and  without  the  use  of  the  knife.  The  coun- 
ter-irritant I  liave  found  most  useful  is  as  follows : 

No.  53.  Cod-liver  oil 2  oz. 

Koroseue    3  oz. 

Caiitharides    <■ 1  dr. 

^»ix. 

Apply  a  portion  of  the  above  to  the  navicular  region,  between 
the  heels  and  fetlock,  on  the  back  parr,  once  or  twice  daily,  uutU 
the  part  is  well  blistered,  which  will  take  place  at  the  end  of  a 
week.  The  more  thorough  the  blistering,  the  more  chance  is  iher? 
of  doing  good.  No  after-dressing  ncjcd  be  ai)plled,  unK'ss  the 
parts  become  very  sore;  in  that  event,  I  should  lubricate  with 
olive  oil. 

It  will  be  necessary,  in  chronic  cases,  to  secure  the  services  of 
n  guud  blacksmith,  so  that  the  animal  may  have  a  shoe  affixed 
properly  adajited  to  the  necessities  of  the  cas*^.     If  any  signs  of 


a,*j2  UAUDS  VETERINAiVi   MEDICINE  AND  SUKGt-KY. 

contraction  exist,  the  heels  are  to  be  opened,  and  the  walls  at  thi 
quarters  must  be  rasped  thin,  so  as  to  remove  the  lateral  pressure 
on  the  sensitive  parts. 

It  may  be  necessary,  in  the  event  of  the  patient  not  being  bene- 
fited by  the  above  treatment,  to  reapply  the  counter-irritant ;  thia 
matter  is  left  discretionary  with  those  who  take  the  case  in  hand. 
In  the  treatment  of  such  cases,  the  owner  of  the  af&icted  animal 
must  be  prepared  to  exercise  due  patience,  for  the  day  of  recovery 
may  be  far  distant ;  often  it  is  a  mere  question  of  time,  and  not 
one  of  skill. 

Pletteodynia  (Painful  affeotion  of  the  Pleura  and 
Muscles  of  the  Chest). 

Pleurodynia  (in  human  practice)  signifies  pain  in  the  side,  from 
a  rheumatic  affection  of  the  pleura.  In  horses  the  malady  not 
only  affects  the  pleura,  but  also  the  intercostal  muscles.  It  is  a 
very  painful  malady,  and  some  persons  are  in  the  habit  of  calling 
it  "founder."  Pleurodynia,  however,  differs  in  its  origin  from 
tbunder,  inasmuch  as  the  latter  may  arise  from  various  ca'i^ea, 
whereas  pleurodynia  is  almost  always  the  result  of  an  excessive 
use  of  the  muscular  powers,  or  when  the  animal  has  been  sub- 
jected to  long-continued  and  very  severe  exertion. 

Symptovis. — It  will  be  noticed  that  the  animal  moves  in  a  very 
stiff  manner;  steps  short  and  quite  slow— he  appears  about  used 
up,  as  the  saying  is;  the  back  is  arched,  and  the  skin  is  over  the 
service  of  the  bedy,  and  is  not  only  hot  but  very  tender ;  on  mak- 
ing pressure  over  the  regions  of  the  sides  of  the  chest,  symptoms 
of  pnin  will  be  elicited,  showing  conclusively  that  the  intercostal 
nmscles  between  tlie  ribs  and  pleura,  or  lining  membrane  of  the 
cavity  of  the  chest,  are  involved ;  the  respirations  are  ?hort  and 
jerking,  and  the  number  of  pulsations  range  from  forty  to  sixty 
per  minute.  Both  fore-feet  are  usually  advanced,  and,  on  apply- 
ing a  hand  to  them,  it  will  be  found  that  they  are  unusually  hot, 
And  that  they  are  inflamed  ;  the  appetite  is  net  good;  the  urine 
is  high-colored,  and  the  bowels  constipated.  Such  are  the  most 
observable  and  common  symptoms  of  this  painful  malady.  It  ia 
aomething  like  rheumatism  in  its  pathology,  and  often  migrates 
to  the  brain,  or  its  investing  membranes.  When  this  happens 
th^re  remains  but  little  hope  for  the  patient. 


LAMENESS  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  333 

Treaimmt. — In  view  of  illustrating  the  treatment,  I  introduce 

tlie  following  case :    The  animal  had  been  hired  of  Mr.  P ,  of 

Chicago,  by  a  person  who  appeared  to  have  but  very  little  respect 
or  compassion  for  horse-flesh ;  for  on  the  return  of  the  animal  to 
the  stable,  he  showed  unmistakable  evidences  of  shameful  abuse. 
He  was  completely  jaded,  and  could  scarcely  stand  on  his  feet. 
He  received  proper  care  and  attention  during  the  night,  and  next 
morning  I  visited  him.  On  making  a  careful  examination,  I 
found  most  of  the  above  symptoms  present.  It  seemed,  however, 
that  his  feet  were  more  affected  than  other  parts  of  the  body,  and 
it  was  impossible  to  get  him  to  move.  I  had  his  feet  bathed 
constantly  with  cold  water,  and  his  joints,  back,  and  sides  were 
rubbed  with  a  liniment  composed  of  equal  parts  of  cod-liver  oil 
and  spirits  of  camphor.  The  medicine  administered  was  one 
ounce  of  powdered  niter,  night  and  morning,  for  three  days.  The 
pulse  had  decreased  to  thirty-six  per  minute,  and  the  respirations 
were  more  tranquil ;  so  I  discontinued  the  niter,  and  commenced 
an  alterative  plan  of  treatment,  by  giving  one  ounce  of  fluid  ex- 
tract of  stillingia,  night  and  morning,  at  the  same  time  continuing 
the  local  applications  until  they  were  no  longer  needed.  One 
ounce  of  fluid  extract  of  buchu  was  occasionally  given,  in  view 
of  exciting  the  kidneys  to  action,  and  this  is  all  the  medicine  the 
patient  received  until  convalescence  was  established,  when  he  was 
placed  under  tonic  treatment.  The  tonic  used  was  one  ounce  and 
a  half  of  fluid  extract  of  golden  seal,  daily.  The  treatment  occu- 
pied a  period  of  two  weeks,  during  which  time  the  animal  stood 
but  little  on  his  limbs,  seldom  rising  except  to  partake  of  food, 
which  consisted  of  bran  and  water,  a  few  oats,  and  small  quan- 
tities of  hay.  So  soon  as  the  patient  had  regained  some  strength, 
he  was  led  to  pasture,  where  he  soon  got  well.  It  appears  that 
in  the  treatment  of  a  disease  of  this  character,  light  diet,  a  few 
simple  medicines,  and  good  nursing  are  all  that  are  indicated. 

Acute  Rheumatism, 

(Cali^ed  "Chest  Foundkr"  and  "  Watf.k  Founper."^ 
Tbe  faithful  servant  of  man,  the  horse,  does  not  enjoy  im- 
munity from  this  distressing  disease.  The  same  causes  which 
operate  on  the  system  of  man  to  develop  a  disease  of  tliis  char- 
acter are,  with  unerring  certainty,  operative  on  the  inferior 
creature.     Rheumntism    is   mostly  confined  to  the  fibrous  tex- 


^4 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICLNE  AND  SURGEfiY. 


tures,  or  faschia  of  muscles,  and  the  inter-articular  cartilages  of 
the  joints,  and,  finally,  the  articulating  surfaces  of  the  bones  be- 
come involved.  The  disease  is  always  characterized  by  g^rea 
pain,  and  sometimes  swelling  in  the  re- 
gion of  joint.  It  is  accompanied  by  a 
quick  and  wiry  pulse,  and  by  other  symp- 
toms, denominated  febrile.  It  occurs 
among  men  and  horses  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year,  yet  at  the  period  of  sud- 
den transitions  from  heat  to  cold  it  is 
most  prevalent.  Animals  when  heated 
by  exercise,  and  then  sufl'ered  to  "cool 
off,"  without  ordinary  care,  are  very  apt 
to  become  the  subjects  of  this  malady,  so 
that  prevention,  to  a  certain  extent,  ia 
within  our  power,  and,  in  the  exercise 
of  preventive  measures,  we  may,  n  com- 
mon parlance,  "stave  off,"  for  a  time, 
this  disease,  although  it  may  be  latent  in 
the  system  as  an  hereditary  affection. 
Mr.  F.  Dun,  who  is  good  authority  on 
the  subject,  says : 
"Rheumatism  is  neither  so  common,  nor  are  its  symptoms  so 
well  marked,  in  horses  as  in  cattle.  When,  however,  it  does  occur 
in  the  horse,  it  manifests  the  same  well-known  appearances  which 
characterize  it  in  all  animals.  It  affects  the  fibrous  tissues  of 
joints,  the  coverings  of  muscles,  tendons,  valves  about  the  heart, 
and  larger  vessels,  and  manifests  a  peculiar  tendency  to  shift  from 
one  part  of  the  body  to  another,  often  affecting,  in  succession,  all 
the  larger  joints — at  one  time  chiefly  in  the  neck,  at  another,  in 
the  back  and  loins,  while,  in  many  of  its  more  acute  attacks,  it 
appears  to  involve  almost  every  portion  of  fibrous  and  fibro-serou& 
tissues  throughout  the  body.  In  all  its  varied  types  it  exhibits  a 
full,  strong,  hard,  and  unyielding  pulse,  caused  by  the  inflamma- 
tion involving  the  serous  and  fibro-serous  tissues  of  the  heart  and 
circulating  vessels.  During  its  existence,  various  excrementitious 
matters  accumulate  in  the  blood,  and  the  fibrinous  constituents 
of  the  same  exceed  their  normal  proportions,  as  indicated  by  the 
production  of  the  bufiy  coat  on  the  blood.  In  severe  or  badly- 
treated  rases,  the  inflammation  ig  very  apt  to  be  ^^ransformed  from 


AiniBRAL  SrCSCLES   AND  TENDONS 
or  THE  OFF-HIND  LEO. 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VaRIuLS  CAUSES.  ^S5 

the  joints  and  muscles  to  the  heart,  and  its  investing  ineiuliranes, 
and  it  is  the  danger  of  this  change  in  the  seat  of  the  disease  that 
renders  rlieumatism  so  formidable,  and  often  so  fatal.  It  always 
leaves  the  parts  affected  so  altered  as  to  be  extremely  predisposed 
to  subsequent  attacks,  and  it  is  more  than  probable  that  this  altered 
condition  is  reproduced  in  the  progenies  of  rheumatic  subjacts,  and 
constitutes  in  them  the  inherent  tendency  to  the  disease. 

Horses  sometimes  suffer  frona  rheumatic  iuflammaticn  in  the 
fibrous  sheathing  envelopes  of  ihe  muscles  of  the  neck,  constitut- 
ing what  is  popularly  known  as  the  chords.  When  thus  affected, 
the  animal  is  very  stifi',  remains  as  much  as  possible  in  one  posi- 
tion, and  is  unwilling  to  bend  his  neck  either  one  way  or  the  other, 
or  to  elevate  or  depress  his  head.  There  is  always  more  or  less 
fever,  with  a  strong,  full  pulse.  Sometimes,  as  in  lumbago,  in  the 
human  subject,  it  affects  the  muscles  of  the  back  and  loins,  caus- 
ing stiffness,  tenderness,  and  pain,  which  are  especially  evinced  on 
movinoj  or  turuino;  the  animal.  These  rheumatic  affections  are 
very  readily  produced  in  predisposed  subjects  by  exposure  to  rain 
and  cold,  especially  when  accompanied  by  overheating  or  exhaus- 
tion. 

Rheumatism  sometimes  occurs  in  horses  as  a  prominent  symp 
tom  of  that  epizootic  affection  which  usually  receives  the  much- 
abused  title  of  influenza.  In  such  cases  the  rheumatism  is  of  a 
somewhat  more  subacute  or  chronic  character  than  common,  and 
is  accompanied  by  that  low,  debilitating  fever  so  often  the  con- 
comitant of  epizootic  maladies.  It  usually  affects  all  parts  of  the 
body  susceptible  of  the  rheumatic  inflammation,  is  attended  par- 
ticularly by  those  symptoms  which  indicate  disease  of  the  heart 
and  pericardium,  as  an  intermittent  pulse,  etc.,  and  often  termi- 
nates fatally  by  effusions  into  the  pleura  or  pericardiuaii,  thua 
causing  death  by  arresting  the  motions  of  the  heart." 

Treatment, — In  the  treatment  of  rheumatism  simulating  an  in- 
flammatory type,  our  first  objec  t  'is  to  produce  a  sedative  effept  on 
the  heart  and  its  vessels  of  circulation.  With  this  oljcct  in  view, 
we  administer  one  or  two  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  gelseminum 
every  four  hours,  until  the  pulse  becomes  softer.  In  the  mean  time 
a  few  doses  of  nitrate  of  potass*  should  be  given  in  the  water 

•NiTBATE  OP  POTASSA. — In  a  case  of  synovi'il  rheumatism  this  remedy  vM 
fivon  by  a  Boston  physician,  in  a  sinorle  -lose  of  one  ounce,  dissolved  in  a  pin* 


336  DADUS   VKTEKLNARY   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

which  the  animal  (h'inks,  at  the  rate  of  one  ounce  per  day,  divided 
mto  doses  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  times  the  patient  in 
watered.  So  soon  as  the  animal  evinces  signs  of  improvement, 
the  above  treatment  is  to  be  discontinued  ;  then  give  six  drachma 
per  day  of  fluid  extract  of  prince's  i)ine.  The  joints  which  seem 
to  be  aifected  are  to  be  bathed  occasionally  with  camphorated 
vinegar,  in  the  proportion  of  one  ounce  of  camphor  to  eight  ounca 
^^fluid)  of  vinegar 

Chronic  Rheumatism 

Chronic  rheumatism  is  usually  the  sequel  of  the  acute  kind.  It 
is  generally  obstinate  and  lingering,  and  prone  to  recur.  Unlike 
the  acute  kind,  pain  is  alleviated  by  counter-irritation  and  exer- 
cise ;  and  when  the  p-'tient  gets  warmed  up,  as  the  saying  is,  he 
either  forgets  his  pains  .«r  becomes  relieved.  Bathing  with  warm 
vinegar  has  a  good  effect  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease,  but  1 
have  found  the  following  liniment  useful  in  almost  all  the  easei 
that  have  come  under  my  care : 

No.  54.  Oil  of  cedar 2  oz. 

Sulphuric  ether 1  oz. 

Proof  spirit 1   pint. 

First,  mix  together  the  oil  of  cedar  and  sulphuric  ether;  then 
add  the  prc^f  spirit,  and,  after  shaking  it  awhile,  it  is  fit  for  use. 
Give  the  animal  one  fluid  drachm  of  the  fluid  extract  of  colchi- 
cum-root,  night  and  morning,  for  tLree  days;  after  which  give, 
daily,  twenty-five  grains  of  the  iodide  of  potass,  dissolved  in  half 
a  gill  of  water.  Should  the  animal  show  any  signs  of  debility  oi 
loss  of  flesh,  tonics,  stimulants,  and  nutritious  diet  are  indicatcxi 

and  a  half  of  barley-water.  This  was  followed  by  one  grain  of  opium.  In  fif- 
teen hours  the  pulse  was  found  reduced,  and  the  pain  absolutely  gone;  and  in  ii 
few  days  the  tongue  was  clean,  and  the  swelling  entirely  abated.  The  remedy 
eaused  neither  emesis  nor  catharsis,  but  passed  off  by  the  kidneys.  In  another 
e&se  of  acute  synovial  attack,  following  chronic  rheumatism,  the  same  dose  w«J 
prescribed  without  any  good  efTect,  causing  active  catharsis.  Again,  half  an 
ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassa,  largely  diluted,  was  given  every  two  to  four  hours, 
9ntil  the  patieni  took  three  ounces  in  eighteen  hours,  with  two  doses  of  opium 
of  one  grain  each,  with  entire  relief  to  the  pain  and  fever.  When  the  pots-ab 
was  reduced  to  drachm  doses,  nausea  ai  d  vomiting  followed,  which  were  relieved 
by  Tesication  with  aqua  ammonia,  the  blister  being  sprinkled  with  half  a  grain 
of  morphine.  The  patient  recovered.  Another  pliysician  had  used  th?  remedj 
U  th«  extent  of  half  an  ounce  in  twenty-four  hours,  for  three  successive  daya- 


JuAMENESS,  FROM   VARIOUS  CAUSiiS.  337 

Tke  authorities  teach  us,  and  my  own  experience  has  confirmed 
the  fact,  that  iodide  of  potass  is  a  valuable  agent  in  the  treatment 
of  chronic  rheumatism.  It  is  most  sure  to  act  beneficially  when 
the  periosteum  (fibrous  covering  of  the  bones)  is  affected.  There 
ifl  no  doubt  that  chronic  rheumatism  often  cripples  the  joints  by 
producing  disease  of  the  bones  in  the  region  of  their  articulations. 
This  makes  a  poor  horse  dead  lame,  and  renders  him  almost  useless. 
When  the  bones  become  ulcerated  or  carious  there  remains  but  little 
hope  of  cure. 

RiNG-BOIfE. 

Ring-bone  is  a  form  of  disease  the  pathology  of  which  is  similar 
to  that  of  spavin  and  splent.  It  is  located  just  above  the  coronet 
or  crown  of  the  hoof.  The  enlargement  is  called  exostosis  (a  mor- 
bid enlargement  of  bone),  and  when  the  large  pastern  becomes 
united  to  the  smaller  one,  the  case  is  called  anchylosis  (jjermanent 
rigidity  of  the  joint). 

The  term  ring-bone  is  far  behind  the  times  as  regards  our  pres- 
ent knowledge  of  nosology  (the  doctrine  of  the  names  of  diseases)  j 
yet,  to  the  unprofessional,  it  is  suggestive,  and,  therefore,  we  ar« 
compelled  to  retain  a  came  which  all  can  interpret.  It  signifies 
a  complete  or  partial  eminence  around  pastern  bones.  The  ring 
is  formed  by  incrustations,  or  osseous  deposits  in  the  pastern,  or 
involving  the  joint,  as  the  case  may  be ;  yet,  in  order  to  make  out 
a  pure  case  of  ring-bone,  that  comes  strictly  within  the  meaning 
of  the  term  as  horsemen  interpret  it,  there  must  exist  a  complete 
ridge  of  bone  around  the  anterior  part,  extending  from  side  to  side, 
A  pure  case  of  ring-bone  generally  originates  on  the  surface  of  the 
bone,  on  or  beneath  the  periosteum.  Commencing  at  the  lower 
margin  of  pastern  and  upper  part  of  the  coronet  bone,  the  disease 
spreads,  involving  both  capsular  ligament  and  joint.  The  remote 
cause  of  ring-bone  lies  in  hereditary  idiosyncrasies,  transmitted 
through  the  sexual  congress.  The  disease  itself  is  sometimas  di- 
rectly transmitted.  I  once  bought  an  unweaned  colt,  and  brought 
it  up  by  hand.  A  short  time  after  purchase,  I  observed  enlarge- 
ments on  tlie  hind  pasterns.  He  ultimately  turned  out  to  be  a 
ring -boned  animal,  and  had  stiff  joints.  I  found  out  afterward 
that  the  mother  had  large  ring-bones  on  both  hind  pasterns.  TLi 
disease  was,  therefore,  congenital. 

Mr.  Percivall,  whose  o{)inion  on  such  luatters  is  unquestion 
22 


3<i8  DADD'8  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

able,  says  that  his  attention  to  the  hereditary  origin  of  ring-bou« 
was  first  aroused  from  a  remark  made  by  an  extensive  dealer  i2 
horses,  in  reply  to  a  question  put  to  him,  How  it  happened  that 
hut  few  ringbones  were  met  with,  compared  to  the  number  that 
attracted  notice  in  times  past?  The  reply  was,  "Because  no 
breeder  of  horses  nowadays  will  send  a  mare  to  a  horse  having 
ring-bone."  A  very  good  example  for  American  horsemi  n  to  fol- 
low, for  the  disease  is  very  prevalent  in  some  parts  of  this  country. 
A  vapt  number  of  our  best  as  well  as  inferior  horses  aia  le  sub- 
jects of  this  infirmity.  The  disease  lurks  in  breed,  after  the  fash- 
ion of  scrofula  and  consumption  in  the  human  subject.  When 
both  parents  are  affected,  the  disease  in  the  offspring  is  doubly 
severe. 

The  author  just  quoted  remarks  that  "  a  coarse  or  half-breed, 
fleshy  or  bony-legged  horse,  with  short  and  upright  pasterns,  is 
the  ordinary  subject  of  this  disease ;  and  there  exists  satisfactory 
reasons  why  we  should  expect  him  to  be  so.  The  pastern  and 
coffin  bones  constitute  the  nethermost  of  the  column  of  bones 
composing  the  limbs,  and  being  so,  they  receive  the  entire  weight 
and  force  transmitted  from  above.  The  pastern,  being  long  and 
oblique  in  position,  receives  the  superincumbent  weight  on  such  an 
indirect  line  that,  bending  toward  the  ground  with  the  fetlock, 
nothing  like  jar  nor  concussion  follows.  The  very  reverse  of  this, 
however,  happens  every  time  the  foot  of  a  limb,  having  a  short, 
upriglit  pastern,  comes  to  the  ground.  In  such,  instead  of  tho 
weight  descending  obliquely  upon  the  sessamoids,  and  the  fetlock 
bending  therewith,  it  descends  directly,  or  nearly  so,  upon  the 
pasterns,  making  this  bone  entirely  dependent  on  the  bone  beneath 
it  ior  counteract ing  concussion;  and  should  any  thing  occur  to 
diminish  this,  or  to  throw  more  weight  on  the  bones  beneath  than 
tiiey  can  countcia(!t,  jar  of  the  whole  apparatus  ensues  ;  and  an 
effort  of  Nature  to  strengthen  the  parts,  by  investing  them  with 
callous  and  ossification,  is  likely  to  be  the  ultimate  result ;  for  we 
would  view  ring-bone,  disease  though  it  must  assuredly  be  called, 
a  recourse  of  Nature  to  strengthen  weak  parts,  the  bones  being 
unequal  to  the  exertions  or  efforts  required  of  them." 
Another  quotation  may  possibly  interest  the  reader : 
"  Ring-bone  is  an  exostosis  (a  growth  of  bone  from  bone)  si'^uated 
tro'ind  the  coronet,  mostly  near  the  pastern  joint,  at  othp^  timei 
just  above  it;  and  not  un frequently  the  joint  beromof  *'»''Qylose'^ 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  ^'i 

owing  to  the  spread  of  ossification;  that  is,  the  cotfiii  bone  aj«d 
pastern  bone  become  united  together  by  bony  growth.  Ring- 
bones are  the  result  of  hereditary  predisposition,  structural  organi- 
zation, and  accident.  As  to  hereditary  predisposition,  there  is  no 
doubt  but  that  some  sires,  the  subjects  of  spavin,  ring-bone,  and 
other  forms  of  exostosis,  father  foals  which  often,  sooner  or  later, 
raemselves  become  victims  of  the  same  disease.  Tlic  same  law 
%pplies  to  dams.  Breeders  of  horses  are  fully  aware  of  this  fact, 
md  are,  therefore,  more  careful  than  formerly  in  the  selection  of 
parents  for  the  purposes  of  breeding  from.  As  to  form,  many 
living  cases  which  now  exist  prove  the  truth  of  the  statement  that 
low-bred,  coarse-limbed  horses,  with  short,  upright  pasterns,  are 
frequently  subjects  of  ring-bone.  Why  such  should  be  the  case 
with  animals  with  upright  pasterns  is  easily  explained,  as  follows: 
The  pastern  bones  in  a  well-formed  limb  ought  to  form  an  oblique 
angle  with  the  cannon-bone  (metacarpus)  placed  above  them; 
whereas,  if  the  pastern  is  upright,  the  column  of  bones  from  the 
elbow-joint  to  the  foot  is,  necessarily,  placed  in  one  and  the  same 
straight  line,  causing,  at  every  step  made  by  the  animal  during 
progression,  a  severe  concussive  shock  to  be  produced  on  the  whole 
column  of  bones,  but  more  especially  on  the  pastern  bones,  owing 
to  the  superincumbent  weight  of  the  bones  above  them.  Thus  one 
or  more  of  the  pastern-bones  become  injured  and  inflamed,  and, 
finally,  as  a  consequence,  exostosis  ensues,  the  coronet  becomes  in- 
volved, and  the  disease  denominated  ring-bone  is  set  up." 

Mr.  Percivall  quotes  from  Gibson :  "  When  a  well-formed, 
high-bred  horse  happens  to  have  a  ling-bone,  we  may  conclude  it 
to  proceed  from  some  accident  rather  than  from  any  natural  fault. 
The  disease  may  also  be  produced  by  a  blow  to  the  part,  and  from 
the  efforts  made  to  increase  speed,  when  concussion  causes  injury, 
inflammation,  and  consequent  exostosis  to  the  bones  of  the  jiastera. 
As  to  treatment,  we  should  recommend  the  proprietors  of  young 
horses,  subject  to  ring-bones,  to  place  their  horses  in  a  state  of 
nature,  by  removing  the  shoes  from  their  feet,  and  by  turning  out 
to  grass.  If  this,  after  a  fair  trial,  fail,  then  the  treatment  for 
upavm  and  other  exostosis  must  be  resorted  to,  such  as  blistering 
the  affected  part  and  keej)ing  the  animal  on  a  low  diet.  No  dis- 
dftae  is  more  trou-blesome  to  treat,  or  more  demands  the  strict  at- 
eution  of  a  skillful  veterinarian." 

Cannes. — The  excitins:    causes   of  ring-bone   are   liganieiitar^ 


840  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

sprains,  brought  about  by  overwork,  extraordinary  feats  of  strength 
in  drawing  heavy  loads,  etc.  In  short,  either  sprain,  injury,  blow, 
or  bruise  may  act  as  the  pathological  spark  to  bring  about  th* 
disease. 

Regarding  the  treatment  of  ring-bone,  it  would  be  intti^»tin)j:, 
and  perhaps  amusing,  to  call  attention  to  some  of  the  bert/ic 
methods  of  combating  this  malady ;  but  the  animal  has  ner\'o«"  of 
sensibility,  and  is  as  keenly  alive  to  pain  as  one  of  us ;  therefore 
It  is  not  really  pleasant  to  dwell  on  the  atrocities  which  are  not 
anfrequently  practiced  on  this  noble  animal.  A  very  common 
error  exists  in  the  minds  of  some  people  that  ring-bone  is  fed  by 
a  bladder  at  the  posterior  part  of  the  pastern,  which  has  about  aa 
much  to  do  in  the  production  of  the  disease  as  the  author  of  this 
work.  This  error  would  not  amount  to  much,  however,  only  it 
kas  led  to  the  infliction  of  a  cruel  operation,  without  the  least 
advantage ;  namely,  the  cutting  out  of  the  bladder.  Now,  this  so- 
called  bladder  is,  in  reality,  a  bursal  sac,  the  use  of  which  is  to 
secrete  synovia,  to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  against 
friction ;  therefore,  the  extraction  of  it  must  be  disadvantageous  to 
the  parts. 

It  seems  that  ring-bone  is  not  enough  torment  for  the  poor  brute 
to  suffer,  but  he  must,  in  addition,  submit  to  a  species  of  cruelty 
unheard  of  in  the  annals  of  human  medicine.  Such  treatment  is 
wrong,  and  every  man  who  loves  a  horse  should  set  his  face  against 
it,  and  use  every  effort  for  the  purpose  of  putting  a  step  to  the 
practice  of  all  barbarity  in  the  treatment  of  domestic  animals. 

IVeatment. — The  question  to  decide,  when  we  undertake  to  treat 
a  case  of  this  character  is,  whether  the  disease  is  in  the  acute  or 
chronic  stage.  Experience  teaches  us  that  nearly  all  diseases  may 
be  divided  into  two  classes :  First,  the  acute,  or  those  which  come 
on  suddenly,  attended  by  pain  and  fever,  or,  rather,  I'ebrile  symp- 
toms ;  for  there  are  no  primary  fevers  in  the  horse.  Equine  fevers 
are  always  called  into  existence,  or  accompany  a  pa'iiologia-d  con- 
dition which  frequently  existed,  and  the  fever  is  i  i  exact  ratio  to 
the  intensity  of  the  disease.  Cure  the  disease  and  tlie  fever  ceases. 
Acute  diseases  also  tend  to  termination  within  ?  short  period  of 
t'me,  or  else  run  into  the  chronic  stage.  Seoo  idly,  the  chronic 
stage.  Chronic  diseases  are  those  of  slow  progress,  and  exceed  in 
duration  the  ordinary  existence  of  the  acute  class.  They  maj 
trise  iu  oonsequerce  of  acutp  disrrders,  or  be  d'  ^veloped  originally 


LAMENESS.  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  341 

b  tiif  funn  which  they  long  fiftenvard  preserve.  For  the  most 
part,  chronic  disease  and  lameness  are  not  marked  by  any  violent 
Bymptoms,  nor  are  they  accompanied  with  much  pain,  if  the  hor«e 
be  kept  at  rest. 

Suppose  the  disease  to  have  first  made  its  appeai-cince,  the  partd 
will  be  hot  and  j.-iinful;  but  the  idea  of  curing  ring-bcne — that 
is,  restorino;  the  parts  to  their  normal  condition — is  really  ab-urd^ 
for,  when  once  the  bones  are  anchylosed,  the  joint  never  can  j)er- 
form  its  natural  function  again.  The  new  growths  (exostosis), 
aud  the  changes  of  structure  that  occur  within  and  about  the 
region  of  disease,  are  a  part  of  Nature's  own  handiwork,  in  view 
of  strengtheuing  a  weak  bone  or  joint.  Our  object  in  the  treat- 
ment, therefore,  is  merely  to  aid  Nature.  Excuse  the  animal  from 
work,  and  apply  sedative  lotions  (cold-water  dressings)  so  long  as 
the  acute  stage  lasts;  then,  when  the  case  passes  into  the  chronic 
stage,  apply  counter-irritants  for  a  week  or  two,  and,  finally,  turn 
the  patient  out  to  grass.  The  following  will  be  found  an  efl'ective 
sedative  lotion : 

No.  55.  Spirits  of  camphor 2  oz. 

Fluid  extract  of  wormwood 1  oz. 

Vine-rar 5  oz- 

To  be  applied  twice  dailv. 

The  following  is  an  excellent  counter-irritant  for  ring-bone  in 

ita  chronic  stage : 

No.  56.  Cod-liver  oil |  equal  parts. 

Kerosene 3 

Apply  once  or  twice  daily,  until  a  crop  of  pustules  appear ;  then 
omit  the  ai)plieation,  and  reapply  it  at  the  expiration  of  two  or 
tliree  intermitting  periods. 

The  remedies  used  by  veterinary  surgeons  generally,  are  oil  of 
cantharides,  acetate  of  cantharides,  blistering  ointment,  ointment 
of  biniodide  of  mercury,  and,  lastly,  the  actual  cautery,  or  heated 
iron.  I  have  tried  all  except  the  latter,  which  savors  too  much 
of  barbarity,  and  I  never  found  any  thing  to  equal  the  prr  pa  ration 
iiei-e  recommended— namely,  cod-liver  oil  and  kerosene. 

Navicularthritis     (Navicular  Disease). 

Navicularthritis  is  an  acute  disease,  supposed  to  be  confined  lo 
tb€  navicular  region,  or  joint,  which  is  in  the  posterior  part  of  t^ 


342  bADD'S  VETtlRINAKY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

foot.  The  navicular  bone  (sometimes  called  the  shuttle-bone)  Is 
so  placed  as  to  strengthen  the  union  between  the  lower  pastern 
and  the  coffin  bone,  and  to  enable  the  flexor  tendon,  which  passes 
over  it,  in  order  to  be  inserted  into  the  bottom  of  the  coffin  bone, 
to  act  with  more  advantage.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  weight 
thrown  on  the  navicular  bone,  and  from  the  navicular  bone  to 
the  tendon,  and  there  is  a  great  deal  of  motion  or  play  between 
them  in  the  bending  and  extension  of  the  pasterns.  It  is  very 
easy,  therefore,  to  conceive  that  from  sudden  concussion,  or  from 
rapid  and  unrestrained  motion,  the  delicate  membrane  which  covers 
the  bone,  or  the  cartilage  of  the  bone,  may  become  diseased.  The 
bone  sometimes  becomes  ulcerated  and  fractured,  so  that  it  renders 
the  horse  almost  perpetually  lame. 

Symptoms. — The  principal  symptom  of  this  affection  is  pointing 
of  the  foot.  If  the  horse  be  watched,  when  standing  still  in  the 
stable  or  on  the  street,  it  will  be  noticed  that  the  affected  limb  is 
advanced  or  pointed  in- such  a  manner  as  to  relieve  the  naviculi:' 
bone  of  any  pressure  from  the  flexor  tendon^  and  this  occurs  in 
the  chronic  stage  as  well  as  in  the  acute.  It  will  be  observed, 
also,  that  the  animal,  when  traveling,  takes  short  steps,  goes  on 
the  toe,  and  tries  to  favor  the  heel,  or-  posterior  parts,  as  much  aa 
possible.  The  favoring  of  the  heel  tends  to  destroy  the  function 
of  expansibility  of  the  hoof,  and  contraction  of  the  same  is  the 
result. 

Treatment. — Should  the  disease  be  discovered  early,  that  is,  in 
the  acute  stage,  the  foot  should  be  placed  in  a  boot  lined  with  a 
sponge.  The  latter  is  to  be  kept  constantly  wet  with  a  portion 
of  vinegar  and  water,  equal  parts.  This  may  be  continued  for  a 
period  of  twenty-four  hours,  at  the  end  of  which  time  bathe  the 
coronet  and  heels  with  tincture  of  arnica.  Light  diet  and  perfect 
quiet,  as  in  every  other  variety  of  inflammatory  disease,  are  always 
necessary. 

In  old  chronic  cases  we  resort  to  counter-irritation,  tlrough  re- 
poated  applications  of  the  acetate  of  cantharides.  Should  there  be 
Kny  a])pea>rance  of  contraction,  the  heels  of  the  hoof  must  be  well 
opened,  and  the  walls  of  the  hoof,  near  the  heels,  must  be  raspe^i 
thin,  so  as  not  only  to  favor  the  expansibility  of  the  foot,  but  also 
with  a  view  to  relievo  the  navicular  region  of  any  undue  pres» 

TOTC 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  343 

SirFLE  Out  (Dislocation  ob  Luxation  op  trv  p?tifli, 

Bone). 

The  patella  of  the  horse,  or  stifle  bone,  as  it  is  familiarly  known, 
corresponds  to  the  knee-pan  of  man,  and  answers  the  same  pur- 
fxyje ;  that  is,  to  facilitate  motion,  and  protect  the  two  extremitiea 
cif  the  bones  which  compose  the  stifle-joint.  It  is  retained  in  situ 
at  the  anterior  part  of  the  inferior  extremity  of  the  thigh  bone  and 
superior  extremity  of  the  tibia. 

A  I.  accident  of  this  character  is  generally  accompanied  with  con 
niderable  pain  and  uneasiness ;  but  the  most  notable  symptom  is, 
the  bone  is  thrown  ofi"  its  pulley-like  articulatory  surface,*and  thus 
tlie  recti  and  vasti  muscles  (the  latter  being  direct  extensors  of  the 
leg  or  thigh,  and  the  action  of  the  former  being  similar)  are,  for 
the  time  being,  paralyzed ;  that  is  to  say,  their  action  is  suspended. 
If  they  act  at  all,  it  is  under  great  disadvantage,  and  at  the  expense 
of  their  muscular  integrity.  The  liability  to  luxation  of  the  stifle 
bone  (patella)  is  not  so  great  as  some  persons  would  have  us  be- 
lieve. The  bone  is  secured  in  its  position  by  a  number  of  strong 
ligam^'nts — has  a  complete  articulatory  joint  of  its  own,  whose 
capsular  ligaments  have  strong  attachments  to  surround  them.  The 
muscles,  tensor  vaginse,  rectus,  vasti  faschia,  panniculus  carnosus, 
subcellular  substance  and  integument,  all  operate  favorably  against 
the  chances  of  luxation.  The  accident,  however,  does  sometimes 
occur — not,  perhaps,  from  any  disarrangement  of  the  mechanical 
order  of  the  parts  by  violence,  such  as  might  be  operative  in  dis- 
location of  the  thigh  or  arm  bones,  but  often  from  spasm,  cramp, 
etc.,  of  certain  muscles  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  parts. 

"  I  think  his  stifle  is  out,"  is  a  very  common  complaint  made 
by  horse-owners  when  a  horse  becomes  lame,  and  the  "  neighbors" 
can  not  discover  the  exact  location  of  the  same.  They  hastily 
conclude,  if  the  lameness  is  in  the  hind  extremity,  that  the  "  stifle 
is  out "  (luxated).  Here  is  a  case  in  point.  I  received  a  message 
some  time  ago,  to  visit  a  horse  said  to  have  "  his  stifle  out."  On 
making  examination  of  the  foot  on  the  lame  side,  I  found  it  much 
hotter  tlian  its  fellow  on  the  opposite  side.  The  owner,  at  the 
moment,  remarked  that  there  was  "  no  trouble  in  tlie  foot."  Pie, 
however,  was  nietaken  ;  for  I  found  that  a  nail  hud  entered  the 
joeterior  part  of  the  cleA  of  tie  frog,  which  I  extracted,  and  this 
was  the  sole  cause  of  lameness.     I  a'-.ght  relate  a  number  of  mis' 


344  DaDD'8  veterinary  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERt. 

takes  of  this  kind,  all  going  to  show  how  very  apt  people  are  t% 
be  deceived  regarding  the  seat  of  lameness  in  horses.  In  short, 
judging  from  my  own  experience,  and  the  testimony  offered  by 
other  professional  men,  it  may  be  confidently  asserted  that  luxation 
of  the  ])atella  is  quite  a  rare  accident.  These  remarks  are  intended 
for  the  instruction  of  the  non-professional  reader.  Persons  con- 
versant with  the  anatomy  of  the  horse  are  not  expected  to  make 
such  a  mistake  as  the  one  just  alluded  to;  hence  they  do  not  stand 
in  need  of  the  author's  advice. 

Method  of  reducing  dislocation  of  the  patella. — The  means  of  re- 
duction are  very  simple.  The  patella  will  be  found  on  the  lower 
and  outet  condyle  of  the  thigh  bone.  With  one  hand  let  the 
operator  grasp  the  leg,  just  below  the  hock,  and  raise  it  from  the 
ground  in  an  upward  and  forward  direction ;  the  other  hand  em- 
braces the  stifle  bone,  and  by  a  simultaneous  action  of  |7ressing  thfi 
latter  inward,  and  the  bones  that  compose  the  joint  backward,  th« 
reduction  is  soon  effected.  The  bone,  in  returning  to  its  natural 
situation,  emits  a  sound  such  as  usually  follows  that  of  a  dislocated 
bone  just  at  the  moment  when  slipping  into  the  socket.  A  recent 
dislocation,  when  reduced,  needs  no  after-treatment,  except  th't 
occasional  application  of  an  astringent  and  a  couple  of  days'  rest ; 
but,  should  the  bone  have  remained  unreduced  foi  many  hours,  we 
may  infer  that  the  muscles  and  ligaments  have  been  stretched  or 
distended  too  long  in  one  direction,  and  that,  on  reduction,  the 
fibers  of  the  muscles  concerned  may  not  immediati:ly  contract; 
hence  the  bone  is  apt  to  slip  off  its  articulatory  surface  again.  To 
guard  against  this  mishap,  a  man  must  be  stationed  beside  the 
horse.  He  must  keep  his  hand  on  the  bone,  and  by  pressure, 
when  the  horse  moves,  retain  it  in  its  proper  place.  At  the  same 
time,  the  part  i.'  to  be  bathed  with  some  astringent.  An  infusion 
of  white-oak  bs'.rk  will  answer;  or,  failing  to  obtain  this  article, 
apply  alum-water,  in  the  proportion  of  two  ounces  of  alura  to  on* 
a'mrt  of  water. 

Contraction  of  the  Hoop. 

Contraction  of  the  hoof  is  so  easily  recognized  by  persons  accii»» 
U»med  to  handle  horses,  that  very  little  needs  to  be  written  on  that 
subject.  A  contracted  foot  "speaks  for  itself,"  as  the  sa\ing  is. 
The  neeb  are^  approximated  too  closely,  and  this  mars  the  beauty 


1.AMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES  34ft 

and  fcrm  of  the  foot.  Contraction  is  almost  al";vays,  in  its  first 
gtage,  accompanied  by  lameness.  Faulty  shoeing  is  said  to  have 
considerable  to  do  in  the  production  of  contracted  feet;  yet  there 
are  plenty  of  horses,  having  strong,  thick,  walled  hoofs,  very  wide 
at  the  heels,  often  shod  in  the  worst  possible  manner,  and  their 
heels  never  contract.  It  is  certain,  therefore,  that  a  predisposition 
to  contraction  lurks  in  some  breeds  of  horses,  which  is  shown  by 
their  having  weak  quarters  and  a  thin,  shelly  hoof.  A  contracted 
hoof,  which  is  very  thin  at  the  heels,  may  not  occasion  lameness, 
because  it  is  more  elastic  than  the  thick,  walled  hoof,  and  gives  to 
the  lateral  pressure  of  the  foot  when  it  comes  to  the  ground. 

Percivall  contends  that  "shoeing  must  be  regarded  as  the 
main  cause,  indirect  though  it  be,  of  contraction ;  and  to  the  modifi- 
cation or  correction  of  it  must  we  look  for  the  prophylactic.  Shoe- 
ing, as  it  respects  horses,  has  been  said  to  be  '  a  necessary  evil.* 
Without  shoes,  upon  our  artificial  roads,  we  can  not  make  use  of 
horses ;  and  no  shoes  have  been  found  to  answer  save  such  as  are 
hard  and  inflexible  or  metallic,  and  as  are  fixed  to  the  hoofe  with 
nails.  Here,  therefore,  we  find  ourselves  in  an  awkward  dilemma. 
We  can  not  do  without  horseshoes ;  and  from  the  moment  we  nail 
them  to  the  hoofs,  the  feet  begin  to  undergo  more  or  less  alteration 
in  form,  and,  in  too  many  instances,  to  experience  harm  from  their 
application.  The  art  of  shoeing  has  given  rise  to  a  wonderful  deal 
of  difference  of  opinion  and  controversy,  some  thinking  one  shape 
of  shoe  answered  best,  some  another ;  while  some  prefer  one  mode 
of  nailing  it  upon  the  hoof,  others  a  different  one.  As  far  as  my 
own  experience  has  served  as  a  guide  to  me  through  this  labyrinth 
of  opinion,  I  have  ever  found  that  method  of  shoeing  the  j^refera- 
ble  one  which  approached  the  nearest  to  Nature,  or,  in  other  words, 
which  interfered  the  least  with  the  economy  of  the  foot.  If  we 
could  do  without  them,  horseshoes  would,  undoubtedly,  be  best 
abolished  altogether;  but,  since  this  is  impracticable,  let  us  adopt 
such  shoes  and  modes  of  attaching  them  to  the  hoofs  as  are  found 
to  work  the  least  mischief  to  the  feet.  On  tliis  principle  it  is  that 
a  half  shoe  is  to  be  preferred  to  a  whole  shoe,  and  for  the  same 
reason  it  is  that  tips,  of  all  the  horseshoes  that  were  ever  invented, 
are  the  best ;  that  is,  the  least  objectionable.  If  those  in  the  pro- 
fession would  come  forward  and  inform  us  of  their  experience 
(if  they  have  had  any)  of  tip-slioeing,  I  believe  it  would  uni- 
formly be  found  that,  whatever  objection  might  be  urijed  against 


Ii46  DADD'S  VETERINARY  INIEDTCTNE  AND  SURGERY. 

the  lise  of  tips,  no  one  would  deny  their  tendency  the  least  to 
interfere  with  the  operations  of  the  foot.  If  there  be  any  horse- 
shoe calcuhited  to  prevent  contraction,  and  navicularthritis  as 
well,  I  feel  no  hesitation  myself  in  pronouncing  that  horseshoe  to 
he  the  tip.  In  saying  so  much,  I  am  fully  aware  that  tip-shoeing 
can  not  be  introduced  into  general  practice  for  reason  of  the  roads 
horses  have  to  travel  and  work  upon,  and  of  the  numbers  of  horse* 
having  hoofs  of  too  weak  and  brittle  a  fiber  to  stand  work  without 
chipping  and  breaking  and  wearing  too  rapidly  away.  On  horses, 
however,  whose  hoofs  are  strong  and  hard  enough,  and  whose 
work  is  light  enough  to  admit  of  their  wearing  tips  for  any  length 
of  time,  or  in  situations  where  the  roads  or  parts  of  the  country 
they  have  to  do  their  work  upon  enable  them  to  wear  tips  con- 
stantly, no  wholly-shod  horses'  feet  will  ever  bear  a  comparison 
with  theirs. 

Pressure  to  the  frog. — Coleman's  favorite  prophylactic  again»rt 
contraction  (considering  shoeing  to  be  an  indispensable  evil)  must 
certainly  be  regarded  as  next  in  importance,  as  a  preventive,  to 
getting  quit  of  the  shoe  itself,  or  of  part  of  it.  The  frog  being 
a  body  which  in  action  operates  in  the  expansion  of  the  hoof,  the 
removal  of  it,  or  even  the  impairment  of  it,  must,  necessarily,  give 
facility  to  contraction.  It  therefore  behooves  us,  in  ordinary  shoe- 
ing, to  look  well  to  the  preservation  of  the  integrity  of  this  im- 
portant  part  of  the  foot. 

The  cutting  away  of  the  bars  in  shoeing,  through  robbing  th« 
hoof  of  a  couple  of  stays  operating  against  the  closure  of  its  heels, 
conduces  to  its  contraction.  Nature  gave  the  bars  as  a  sort  of 
buttress  against  either  heel  of  the  hoof,  to  oppose  its  drawing  in- 
ward, while  the  frog,  placed  between  the  heels,  is  operating  in 
forcing  them  asunder;  consequently,  if  the  bars  be  removed,  the 
expansive  or  counteractive  powers  of  the  hoof  lose  an  agent  they 
can,  in  many  cases,  ill  afford  to  be  deprived  of. 

The  contracting  effects  of  heat  and  drought  on  the  hoof  may  \m 
guarded  against  by  keeping  the  horse's  stall  free  from  ferm^ut- 
able  litter,  while  the  atmosphere  of  the  stable  is  maintained  cool 
end  unpolluted.  The  practice,  also,  of  stopping  horses'  feet  (or, 
what  I  believe  to  be  better,  of  wearing  swabs  in  the  stable)  will 
likewise  tend  to  guard  against  the  contracting  effects  of  these 
agents.     We  now  come  to  the 

TVeatment  of  contracted  feet. — The  first  thing  to  determine,  when* 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  347 

rver  a  case  «.f  contraction  is  submitted  to  us  for  treatment,  will  bfl 
whether  it  be  one  of  the  pure  or  mixed  description.  If  the  former, 
the  horse  not  therefore  lame,  and  his  feet  be  submitted  to  our  in- 
spection simply  from  the  apprehension  of  his  becoming  lame,  and 
the  contraction  be  on  this  account  desired  to  be  removed,  the  simple 
and  best  means  of  doing  so  will  be  to  subetitute  tips  for  the  horse's 
ordinary  shoes,  and  to  order  that  he  stand  with  his  contracted  feet 
in  cold  water  (or,  what  is  better,  in  a  bed  of  clay)  for  a  couple  of 
hours,  once  or  twice  a  day,  he  being  allowed  to  lie  down,  as  usual, 
at  night.  By  such  a  simple  plan  of  treatment  as  this  will  his  hoofs, 
giving  sufficiency  of  time  for  Nature  to  carry  out  her  operations^ 
become  restored  to  their  pristine  condition."  '  ' 

The  author's  method  of  treating  contraction  is,  to  soften  the 
hoof  by  soaking  it  often  in  warm  water ;  then  open  the  heels  by 
means  of  the  drav/ ing-knife ;  rasp  the  quarters  of  the  hoof;  then 
pare  the  foot,  but  do  not  touch  the  bars  nor  frog ;  then  put  on  a 
light  shoe,  and  use  the  animal,  daily,  at  light  work.  It  will  be 
proper,  also,  to  anoint  the  hoof,  frog,  and  sole  occasionally  with 
a  portion  of  fish  oil  and  spirits  of  turpentine,  equal  parts.  This 
will  soon  soften  the  hoof,  and  render  it  elastic. 

Hoof-bound, 

This  term  is  usually  applied  to  hoofe  that  appear  to  be  dry, 
brittle,  unyielding,  and  having  the  appearance  of  more  or  less 
contraction  at  the  heels.  The  hoof,  under  such  circumstances, 
"  pinches  the  foot,"  as  the  saying  is,  or,  rather,  embraces  the  soft 
tissues  too  closely.  The  consequence  is,  pain,  fever,  lameness,  and 
perhaps,  finally,  organic  disease  of  the  foot.  The  condition  of  the 
foot  termed  hoof-bound  usually  occurs  in  horses  laboring  under 
some  predisposition  to  the  same ;  that  is  to  say,  they  have  faulty 
feet,  which  fault  may  be  either  functional  or  structural,  and  thus 
the  foot  may  be  affected  accordingly  whenever  the  ordinar}''  causes 
of  disease  are  in  operation. 

Causes. — The  ordinary  or  exciting  causes  of  diseases  of  the  feet 
are  said  to  be  faulty  shoeing;  allowing  horses  to  stand  on  plank 
fioors,  or  in  any  situation  which  is  likely  to  pervert  the  function 
of  the  foot ;  sometimes  the  feet  are  very  much  neglected,  and 
scarcely,  if  ever,  make  the  acquaintance  of  sponge  and  water,  an<' 
it  is  very  certain  that  uncleanlinrss  has  a  bad  effect  upon  the  feet 


348  bAl>,S  VKTERINARV  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

as  it  is  known  to  have  on  other  parts  of  the  body.  "No  prlnoi 
ever  died  of  the  phigue,"  shows  that  the  ablutions  daily  practiced 
by  persons  of  refinement,  occupying  an  exalted  position  in  society, 
operate  as  a  preventive  against  even  a  mortal  malady.  Yet,  not- 
withstanding all  this,  it  is  proper  for  us  to  remark  that  some  horses 
are  occasionally  the  subjects  of  foot  maladies,  notwithstanding  the 
very  best  system  of  shoeing  is  practiced  on  them ;  and  others,  that 
never  stood  on  a  plank  floor  or  inclined  plane,  are  in  the  same  pre- 
dicament; so,  also,  are  some  that  have  their  feet  washed  often 
This  goes  to  show  that  if  animals  under  the  very  best  care  and 
management  get  hoof-bound,  or  contracted  feet,  it  is  due  to  a  pre- 
disposition which  they  have  either  inherited  or  acquired,  and,  as 
the  old  saying  is,  they  would  not  enjoy  bodily  health  unless  they 
were  hoof-bound. 

It  is  very  evident  that  many  diseases  of  the  feet  are  traceable 
to  bad  shoeing.  Some  persons  seem  to  suppose  that  the  foot  of  a 
horse  is  as  insensible  as  stone;  and,  when  we  see  the  blacksmith 
wrenching  off  shoes  by  main  force,  often  fracturing  the  hoof  or 
breaking  off  a  portion  of  the  bars,  frog,  and  sole,  with  as  little 
care  as  a  man  would  rough-trim  a  log,  and  afterward  applying  a 
red-hot  shoe  to  the  thinned  sole,  we  might  be  led  to  infer  that  the 
foot  is  really  insensible.  The  Hon.  Marshall  P.  Wilder  thus 
denounces  such  bad  practice : 

"  I  know  of  no  greater  evidence  of  inhumanity  to  that  noble 
animal  the  horse,  than  the  almost  universal  custom  of  paring  down 
the  foot  and  burning  on  the  shoe.  It  has  ever,  to  my  mind,  been 
among  the  barbarisms  of  the  age,  which  I  trust  will  be  no  longer 
countenanced  by  civilized  society ;  and  I  sympathize  with  the 
efforts  of  every  one  engaged  in  correcting  such  dangerous  prac- 
tices." 

Tlie  practice,  also,  of  using  a  pair  of  pinchers  on  the  feet,  in 
view  of  discovering  some  real  or  supposed  lameness,  is  equally 
barbarous,  and  often  results  in  bruises  of  the  sole,  and  should, 
therefore,  be  discountenanced. 

Treatment. — The  blacksmith  should  so  prepare  the  foot  and  fit 
the  shoe  that  the  frog  may  be  brought  in  contact  with  the  ground 
over  which  the  horse  travels.  This  not  only  prevents  undue  con- 
cussion, which  would  otherwise  occur,  but  tends,  also,  to  expand 
the  heels,  and  preserve  the  natural  tread  and  function  of  the  foot. 
Having  prepared  the  foot  in  a  proper  manner,  we  then,  if  the  sea- 


LAMENESS,   FROM   VARIOUS  CAUSES.  SA\t 

ton  of  the  year  permits,  apply  cold  water  to  the  hoofs,  often  and 
freely.  At  night  the  feet  are  to  be  wiped  perfectly  dry,  and,  by 
means  of  a  sponge,  a  portion  of  the  following  mixture  must  be 
rubbed  on :  Kerosene  oil  and  honey,  equal  parts  ;  or  neats-f(X)t 
oil  and  turpentine,  equal  parts.  Notwithstanding  the  very  best 
treatment,  the  restoration  of  the  foot  to  comparative  or  natural 
soundness  will  be  a  work  of  time,  and  sometimes,  in  bad  cases,  or 
one  of  long  standing,  an  impossibility ;  yet  the  above  treatment  is 
the  best  we  are  acquainted  with.  Some  persons  prefer  to  use 
moistened  clay,  cow-d'mg,  etc.,  but  they  are  of  no  value,  only  in 
consequence  of  the  r.>oisture  they  contain,  and  clean  water  is  far 
preferable. 

The  Mechanism  of  the  Hoof. — A  brief  exposition  of  the  mechan- 
ism of  the  hoof  may  possibly  interest  the  reader.  The  external 
covering  of  the  foot  may  be  divided  into  four  parts ;  namely,  the 
wall,  bars,  sole,  and  frog.  The  external  portion,  or  wall,  serves  to 
defend  the  sensitive  tissues  within.  The  wall,  or  hoof,  is  composed 
of  small  filaments,  or  hollow  tubes,  consolidated  in  such  a  manner 
a--  to  preserve  their  canals  distinct.  These  canals  constitute  the  ex- 
cremcntitious  outlets  of  the  hoof,  from  which  morbid  materials  find 
an  outlet,  and  in  these  canals  are  found  the  vessels  by  which  horn 
w  secreted  or  produced.  The  small  vessels  arising  from  the  vas- 
cular and  nervous  tissues  of  the  foot  proper  enter,  also,  into  these 
canals.  The  bars  are  a  continuation  of  the  external  portion  just 
described.  They  form  an  angle  at  the  heels,  which  terminates  to- 
ward the  toe.  They  thus  serve  to  give  strength  and  durability  to 
the  hoof,  and  also  to  prevent  rontraction  at  the  heels.  When 
these  bars  are  cut  away  or  demolished  by  means  of  the  butteris, 
then  the  foot  often  goes  to  "  rack  and  ruin."  The  sole  is  much 
more  elastic  than  the  crust,  and  is  a  medium  of  the  sensitive  fac- 
ult}',  through  whirh,  together  with  its  powers  of  electricity,  the 
percussion  of  the  foot  against  the  ground  is  regulated.  The  frog 
VB  much  more  elastic  than  either  of  the  parts  just  Jescribed.  Any 
unnecessary  paring  of  the  same  is  a  monstrous  evil. 

On  the  internal  portion  of  the  above-named  parts  we  find  a 
beautiful  set  of  leaves  (laminse),  resembling  those  found  in  the 
under  surface  of  a  mushroom.  Their  number  is  said  to  be  five 
hundred.  These  articulate  with  a  like  number  given  off  from  the 
sensitive  tissues  of  the  foot  proper,  each  laminse  hav.ng  two  sides 
tnd  an  edge,  from  a  series  of  articulations,  numberiiig  three  thou- 


360  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICI-NE  AND  SURGER-J 

sand.  The  whole  "urface  of  these  articulations  measures  foul 
square  feet;  hence,  the  horse  having  four  ftet,  his  body  rests  on 
sixteen  square  feet  of  surface,  all  contained  within  his  hoofs. 

Tlte  reader  will  probably  realize  that  a  knowledge  of  the  ana* 
omy  and  physiology  of  the  foot  is  absolutely  necessary,  in  order 
to  practice,  with  any  degree  of  succe&s,  the  art  of  shoeing.  Ho\» 
is  this  knowledge  to  be  obtained?  Can  it  be  iurnished  at  the 
forge,  in  the  blacksmith  shop?  Can  such  a  complicated  pieoe  of 
mechanism  be  thoroughly  understood  by  the  craftsmen  of  the 
forge,  who  have  never  made  the  subject  one  of  scientific  inquiry? 

Let  it  not  be  understood  that  I  am  in  a  fault-fin  iing  mood. 
The  fact  is,  the  husbandmen  of  this  country  have  failed  to  put 
their  shoulders  to  the  wheel  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  and 
endowing  veterinary  schools  in  this  country,  and  if  blacksmithr 
and  "  vets  "  do  not  understand  the  anatomy  of  horses  feet,  the  for 
mer,  who  have  vast  interests  at  stake,  must  come  in  for  a  share  of 
the  blame.  On  the  other  hand,  we  are  disposed  to  be  charitable 
toward  blacksmiths ;  and,  taking  into  consideration  the  unyielding 
nature  of  our  paved  streets,  and  the  rough  ground  over  which 
«>me  poor  animals  are  forced  to  travel,  the  wonder  is,  that  theli 
Ibet  are  not  oftener  diseased. 

Laminitis  ("  Fevee  in  the  Feet,"  or  "Feet  Founder"). 

Larainitis,  or  fever  in  the  feet,  is  an  acute  affection,  confined  to 
the  sensitive  tissues  within  the  hoof.  It  is  one  of  the  most  pain  ■ 
ful  maladies  to  which  the  horse  is  subject. 

Symptoms. — It  manifests  itself,  very  frequently,  after  a  long 
drive  or  race.  The  horse  may  be  put  into  the  stable  at  night  all 
right.  In  the  morning  he  is  observed  to  be  all  in  a  heap,  as  the 
saying  is — his  flesh  quivering,  pulse  very  active,  respirations  quick 
and  jerking ;  the  flanks  are  tucked  up,  the  back  is  roached,  and  the 
fore-feet  are  sent  forward,  so  that  the  animal  treads  on  his  heels ; 
and,  when  compelled  to  move,  he  endeavors  to  throw  the  weight 
of  his  body  on  the  hind  legs.  He  is  thirsty  and  feverish,  but  has 
no  appetite.  All  appearances  about  him  indicate  that  he  suffers 
great  pain.  When  a  hand  is  placed  upon  the  fore-feet,  they  feel 
unnaturally  hot.  Such  are  the  most  prominent  symptoms  o( 
\aminitis,  or  fever  in  the  feet. 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  351 

Treatment. — The  principal  objects  to  be  accomplished  are,  to 
keep  the  feet  cool  by  frequent  sponging  with  cold  water ;  next,  the 
bowels  must  be  kept  loose  my  means  of  bran-mashes,  or,  if  neces- 
sary, a  dose  of  Glauber  salts — dose,  twelve  ounces,  dissolved  in  a 
pint  of  warm  water,  to  which  add  half  a  gill  of  syrup — and  an 
occasional  enema  of  soap-suds,  and  also  a  few  doses  of  fluid  extract 
of  gelseminum,  say  two  drachms  night  and  morning.  This  is  the 
kind  of  treatment  that  the  author  has  found  most  successful  dur- 
ing a  long  period  of  practice. 


EXTREMITY  OF  ONE  OF  THE  FORD  LIMBS. 


fapVurATioK.— a,  ThA  region  of  the  coronet;  6,  The  sensitive  laminse;  c,  The  point  of  the 
toe ,  d,  The  quarters ;  e.  The  heel ;  /,  The  sole ;  g.  The  solar  border. 

Many  who  treat  such  diseases  are  apt  to  do  too  much.  Youatt, 
and  several  other  writers,  recommend  repeated  bleedings,  blisters, 
and  purges,  and  even  tell  us  to  bleed  in  the  chronic  stage.  This 
is  all  wrong,  and  such  outrageous  treatment  is  almost  sure  to  end 
in  suppuration,  founder,  or  ruin.  (See  article  on  Inflammation,) 
The  patient  must  be  kept  at  rest,  and,  if  he  should  lie  down,  must 
not  be  disturbed.  I  never  remove  the  shoes,  because  the  patient 
is  in  so  much  pain  that  he  can  not  stand  on  the  frog  or  sole,  and 
the  shoes  are  a  protection  to  the  frog.  ' 


s62  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surgery. 

Sand-crack. 

"  The  name  of  sand-crack  seems  of  questionable  application.  It 
ifl,  evidently,  a  compound  of  the  word  sand  and  crack,  as  though 
it  denoted  a  crack  with  sand  in  it,  or  a  crack  occurring  in  a  sandy 
cjountry,  or  in  a  dry,  sandy  season,  which  several  derivations  have 
\)een  ascribed  to  the  term.  May  not  the  word  sand  admit  of  res- 
olution iato  its  primitive  signification,  and  mean  in  this,  as  in 
other  ins'^ances,  a  sundered  crack?  A  sand-crack  may  be  defined 
to  be  a  Icngitudiual  division  in  the  fibers  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof, 
amounting  to  a  flaw  simply,  or  else  to  a  cleft  or  fissure  through 
the  subst'iuce  of  the  b-orn. 

The  direction  of  the  crack  is  slanting,  from  above  downward, 
and  from  behind  forward,  following  the  course  of  the  fibers  of  the 
noof.  A  sand-crack  in  the  side  of  the  wall  slants  more  than  one 
in  front,  owing  to  the  greater  obliquity  of  the  course  of  the  horny 
fibers,  as  we  proceed  from  the  toe  to  the  heel  of  the  foot. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  sand-crack,  quarter  sand-crack  and  toe 
sand-crack,  the  former  occurring  in  the  fore,  the  latter  in  the  hind 
foot.  At  least  this  is  generally  the  case.  It  is  rare  to  find  the 
reverse,  though  there  are  occasions  on  which  we  meet  with  sand- 
arack  in  the  toe  of  the  fore-foot  and  the  quarter  of  the  hind  foot. 
It  is  possible  for  cracks  to  occur  in  other  parts  of  the  hoof;  but 
In  these  two  situations  it  is  that  veritable  sand-crack  occurs,  and 
there  arp  here,  as  we  shall  find  hereafter,  special  causes  for  their 
production.     liet  us  first  consider 

Quarter  Crack. 

The  si  'nation  of  this  crack  is  the  slanting  line  of  the  wall  of 
the  hi:")rf,  directly  opposed  to  the  extremity  of  the  wing  of  the 
coffin  "»i  e ;  and  it  is  oftener  found  in  the  inner  than  in  the  outer 
fiuartfi.  added  to  which  the  hoof  in  which  sand-crack  occurs  in 
always  £  contracted  one,  quarter  sand-crack,  no  more  than  toe 
Band-crack,  never  happening  in  a  hoof  disposed  to  obliquity  and 
flatness.  The  same  description  of  foot  which  is  predisposed  to 
contraction  is,  for  the  same  reasons,  predisposed  to  sand-crack. 
There  is  an  obvious  connection  between  contraction  and  quarter 
Band-cra<!k.  The  light,  near-the'-ground  stepping  horse,  with 
itrong,  narrow,  upright  ho«)fs.  will  be  equally  likely,  und^r  cer- 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  363 

tain  condili«)ns,  to  have  the  heels  of  his  fore  hoofs  becoming  con- 
tracted, and  exhibiting  quarter  sand-cracks.  Hot  stables  conduce 
to  this,  but,  more  still,  hot  climates.  Hurtrel  d'Arboval  informa 
us  that  at  the  time  the  French  army  was  in  Egypt,  their  horsea 
were  continually  having  sand-cracks;  and  he  adds  that  long 
voyages  on  board  of  ship  are,  on  some  occasions,  attended  with 
like  results. 

The  proximate  cause  of  quarter  sand-crack  is,  then,  contraction. 
The  horn,  from  dryness,  or  other  cause,  rendered  cracky  and 
fragile,  breaks  at  the  quarter  of  the  wall,  from  being  at  that 
part  bent  across  the  edge  of  the  ala  of  the  coffin  bon€,  during  the 
curving  in  of  the  heel,  the  result  of  contraction ;  and  this  oftenest 
happens  to  the  inner  quarter,  from  its  being  the  thinner  and 
weaker  one,  as  well  as  from  being  the  one  which  is  the  first  and 
most  disposed  to  contract — not  that  sand-crack  is  the  necessary 
consequence  of  contraction,  but  that  contraction  becomes  a  necea- 
aary  precursor  to  sand-crack.  If  this  were  not  the  explanation 
of  the  case,  saud-crack  would  be  as  likely  to  occur  in  any  part  of 
the  wall  as  at  the  quarter,  and  on  the  outer  as  often  as  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  wall.  This  likewise  accounts  for  the  compara- 
tive unfrequency  of  quarter  sand-crack  at  the  present  day  among 
our  nag  and  cavalry  horses,  since  that  which  has  tended  to  dimin- 
ish the  frequency  of  contraction  has  had  the  same  effect  in  regard 
to  the  occurrence  of  sand-crack.  Greater  attention  to  shoeing, 
and  increased  care  about  the  condition  of  the  hoof  itself,  has,  no 
doubt,  had  a  very  beneficial  effect  in  the  prevention  both  of  con- 
traction and  sand-crack. 

The  origin  of  sand-craok  is  usually  sudden,  both  in  the  fore 
and  hind  feel,  though  in  the  former  case,  from  its  situation  in  the 
oiner  quarter,  a  part  not  exposed  to  transient  view,  it  is  possible 
for  a  crack  to  exist  for  some  time,  unless  lameness  happens  to 
arise  from  it  without  being  discovered.  The  crack  first  takes  place 
liirough  the  superior  or  coronary  border  of  the  hoof,  tiiat  being 
composed  of  newly-formed  horn,  and,  consequently,  thin  and 
(1-agile.  Quickly  it  extends  downward,  through  the  thickest  part 
of  the  wall,  stopping,  as  it  does  in  some  instances,  at  least  for  a 
time,  half  way  down,  and  afterward  reaching  nearly  or  t^uite  to 
the  bottom. 

Sand-crack  is  either  penetrant  or  non-penetrant.  It  is  iwually 
tienetraut,  by  whicU  we  mean  the  crack  extends  completely  through 
2:^ 


3b4  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY". 

the  fa.  ,Kness  of  the  hoof,  and  produces  lesion  of  the  sensitive  pans 
underneath  the  horn,  giving  rise  to  some  little  hemorrhage  :n  the 
first  instance,  and  subsequently  to  more  or  less  inflammation — 
occasionally,  even  to  suppuration,  depending,  of  course,  on  the 
extent  and  nature  and  duration  of  the  lesion,  as  well  as  on  any 
treatment,  or  aggravation  from  non-treatment,  it  may  have  re- 
ctived  since  being  occasioned.  When  the  crack  does  not  extend 
through  the  substance  of  the  wall — which  it  sometimes  does  not 
at  first,  though  it  may  do  so  afterward — it  may  be  said  to  be  non- 
penetrant;  and  this,  when  it  happens,  seems  to  be  referable  te 
a  sort  of  natural  fusion  there  certainly  exists  between  the  solid 
horn,  as  it  descends  from  its  secreting  gland,  (the  coronet,)  and 
the  horny  lamime  (new  matter),  which  become  glued  to  it  in  its 
course  downward.  It  is  in  this  uniting  horny  medium  that  seedy 
toe  commences  and  progresses. 

Lameness  is  the  usual  accompaniment  of  penetrant  sand-crack, 
but  not  the  invariable  one.  When  penetrant  it  is  said  to  arise 
from  the  sensitive  lamlnse  getting  pinched  between  the  sides  of 
the  crack.  However  this  may  be,  inflammation  following  the 
lesion  has  certainly  its  share  in  causing  pain  during  action.  In 
general,  the  lameness  does  not  amount  to  much,  nor  is  it  of  long 
duration,  provided  the  sand-crack  receive  proper  and  timely  at- 
tention ;  but  if  the  crack  is  not  heeded,  action  of  the  foot  will  much 
aggravate  the  malady,  and  end  in  lameness  increased  so  much  as 
to  forbid  further  use  being  made  of  the  animal. 

Toe  Sajsd-crack. 

Occurring  in  the  hind  foot,  as  this  crack  almost  invariably 
doeft,  occupying  a  difl'erent  situation  in  the  hoof,  and  arising  alto- 
gether from  a  different  cause,  toe  sand-crack  may  be  regarded  sa 
almost  a  distinct  affection. 

The  subject  of  it  is  not  the  light  horse,  but  the  heavy  one --the 
cart  and  wagon-horse,  the  dray-horse,  the  latter  especially;  and 
in  jtarticular,  I  believe,  in  paved  cities,  they  are  the  sufferers  from 
this  disease.  I  say  '  sufferers,'  because  it  is  only  those  veterinary 
surgeons  whose  practice  lies  among  horses  of  this  description  that 
have  any  conception  of  the  amount  of  pain  and  irritation  with 
which  sand-crack — simple  as  it  may  seem  to  those  who  are  in  the 
habit  of  meeting  quarter  crack  only — is  found  to  be  accon  ;^anied 


LAMENESS,   FROM   VAitTOD*  CAOSES.  2(56 

The  cause  of  toe  sand-crack  is  violence.  Shoeing,  aldo,  may 
have  something  to  do  in  its  2)roduction.  The  horses  who  are  the 
subjects  of  it  are  those  employed  in  laborious  and  straining  draft. 
The  too  of  the  hind  foot  is  the  grand  fulcrum  through  which  the 
hind  limbs,  the  propellers  of  the  body,  exert  their  power ;  and  it 
is  in  some  violent  and  forcible  effort  that  the  hind  hoof,  strained 
&£  it  is  to  its  uttermost,  and  in  particular  at  the  toe,  splits,  com-, 
mouly  fii'st  at  the  coronet,  the  same  as  in  the  fore-foot,  where  the 
horn,  but  newly-formed,  is  then  unresisting,  the  crack  subse- 
quently  extending  gradually  down  the  wall,  even  as  far  as  the 
point  of  the  toe.  Digging  the  tip  of  the  toe  into  the  ground,  or 
stamjjing  it  hard  down  uj)on  the  pavement,  and  especially  when 
this  stress  upon  the  forepart  of  the  wall  is  at  all  times  promoted 
by  high  caulkings  to  the  shoe,  must  certainly,  one  would  think, 
be  the  main  producer  of  toe  sand-crack — an  opinion  still  further 
favored  by  the  observation  which  has  been  made  of  shaft-horses 
in  drays  being  more  subject  to  the  accident  than  trace-horses. 
Still,  however,  for  all  this,  it  behooves  me  to  say  that,  with  the 
best  judges  of  such  matters,  the  point  is  one  not  yet  set  free  from 
doubt  and  difference  of  thinking.  Short  and  upright  pasterns, 
with  clubby  prominent  hoofs,  indicate  a  predisposition  to  toe  sand- 
crack,  the  disease  being  in  no  instances  seen  in  flat,  shelvy,  ob- 
lique hoofs.  It  is  said  sand-crack  may  originate  in  tread.  Un- 
doubtedly any  lesion  of  the  coronary  body,  sufficient  to  injure  or 
destroy  its  secretory  apparatus,  may  occasion  imperfect  or  morbid 
formation  of  horn,  or  loss  of  horn  altogether;  but  I  do  not  believe 
this  to  be  a  verj'  common  cause  of  sand-crack. 

The  conseq-uences  of  sand-crack  in  the  hind  hoof  are,  as  I  have 
before  hinted,  apt  to  be  of  a  much  more  serious  nature  than  any 
usually  arising  from  a  quarter  sand-crack.  Whether  the  crack 
extend  to  the  bottom  of  the  wall  or  not,  being  uniformly  of  the 
penetrant  description,  lameness,  to  greater  or  less  degree,  is  the 
invariable  result.  And  when  the  fissure  does  reach  down  to  the 
toe,  the  v.all  opens  and  exposes  the  lamiuje,  probably  the  whole 
way  from  the  coronet  downward,  the  consequence  of  which  is  in- 
flammation and  suppuration  of  those  parts,  and  sometimes  even 
mortification  and  sloughing  of  them ;  and  not  of  them  alone,  bui 
of  the  bone  to  which  they  are  attached  as  well,  which  not  unfre- 
quently  runs  into  a  state  of  caries,  ending  in  defalcation  of  sub- 
••tance,  to  be   filled  up   by  the  eff*usion   of  callus,  which  usually 


S56  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

terminates  in  exostosis,  coated  with  some  tissue  very  imi)erfectly 
representing  the  original  laminated  structure. 

Mr.  Braby,  the  intelligent  veterinary  surgeon  to  Messrs.  Bar- 
clay and  Perkins'  establishment,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  much 
of  the  information  I  possess  on  this  part  of  my  subject^  has  had 
many  cases  of  this  description,  one  of  which,  of  extraordinary'  char 
acter,  I  shall  relate  here.  One  of  his  dray  hordes  had  suiFered  long 
and  severely  from  toe  sand-crack  in  one  hind  foot;  but,  at  lengthy 
had  recovered,  and  returned  to  work.  Some  time  afterward,  how- 
ever, during  the  season  of  influenza,  he  was  attacked  with  a  vio- 
lent laryngitis,  which  increased  to  a  degree  to  call  for  the  operation 
of  tracheotomy,  to  save  him  from  suffocation.  Notwithstanding 
this  temporary  salvation,  however,  the  patient,  in  the  end,  suc- 
cumbed to  the  disease.  His  post-mortem  examination  became 
doubly  attractive,  owing  to  the  circumstance  of  the  long-standing 
and  obstinate  sand-crack  he  had  suffered  from  heretofore,  and  the 
result  in  this  latter  respect  proved  extremely  interesting.  The 
coffin  bone,  along  its  front,  occupying  the  line  of  the  surface  be- 
tween the  coronal  process  and  the  toe,  exhibited  a  channel  or  loss 
of  substance  half  an  inch  in  breadth,  and  fully  the  same  in  depth, 
thereby  robbing  it  of  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of  its  solid  diameter. 
This,  of  course,  left  the  bone  considerably  weakened,  the  result  of 
which  subsequently  was,  transverse  fracture  in  two  places,  the 
fractures  commencing  upon  the  articulatory  surface,  whence  they 
extended  directly  crosswise  through  the  middle  of  its  body,  so  aa 
to  become  apparent  upon  its  concave  surface  underneath.  ]j» 
addition  to  this,  growing  from  the  laminated  interior  of  the  wall 
of  the  hoof,  opposite  to  the  middle  or  deepest  part  of  the  channel 
in  the  coffin  bone,  Avas  a  projection  of  hard,  horny,  callous  su!>- 
gtance,  having  a  covering  of  imperfectly-formed  horny  lamin:B» 
At  the  time  this  horse  was  suffering  in  the  greatest  degree  from 
this  extraordinary  product  of  sand-crack,  constitutional  irritation 
ran  so  high  as  even  to  create  alarm  for  the  animal's  life.  The 
treatment  of  sand-crack,  whether  it  be  in  the  quarter  or  in  the  tee, 
will  have  to  be  conducted  upon  principles  applicable  to  both  form  i 
of  the  disease,  though  one  must  be  regarded  as  of  much  more  con- 
sequence than  the  other.  The  treatment  of  quarter  sand-crack, 
g'inerally  speaking,  is  but  comparatively  a  simple  affair ;  indeed, 
BO  lightly  is  it  looked  upon  by  horsemen  in  general,  that  we  should 
run  some  risk  of  their  displeasure,  and  our  own  reputation  aa 


LAME^ESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  367 

well,  were  we  to  talk  about  laying  a  horse  up  for  so  trifling  an 
accident.  Nay,  some  horses,  with  non-penetrant  sand-cracks,  or 
with  sand-cracks  that  have  been  penetrant,  but  have  become  horned 
over,  showing  little  or  no  lameness,  continue  to  work  on  without 
evincing  any  pain  or  inconvenience  from  them.  Whether  a  horse 
be  lame  or  not,  liowever,  should  he  have  a  sand-crack,  and  we  be 
amsulted  about  it,  it  becomes  our  duty  to  arrest  the  extension  of 
the  crack  so  long  as  it  be  but  partial;  and,  besides  that,  to  take 
mejusures  for  the  cure  or  pcTmanent  removal  of  the  crack.  The 
owner  of  the  horse  should  be  given  to  understand  that  no  flaw  or 
crack  In  the  hoof  can,  by  possibility,  unite  the  same  as  a  wound 
in  a  vital  part  does,  but  must,  as  the  saying  is,  grow  down ;  that 
is,  must  be  replaced  by  new  horn,  and  be  itself,  by  degrees,  re- 
newed, as  it  continues  to  come  under  the  operation  of  the  drawing- 
knife  every  time  the  horse  is  fresh  shod ;  so  that,  in  fact,  the  cure, 
or  obliteration  of  the  crack,  is  necessarily  a  work  of  some  months, 
though  the  lameness  may  be  cured  in  as  many  hours  or  days. 

Paring  out  the  crack,  the  shoe  being  taken  off  the  foot,  is  the 
first  thing  to  be  done.  The  cutting  cautiously  away  of  its  rugged 
edges,  and  the  scooping  out,  with  a  light  hand,  (probably  with 
the  back  of  the  drawing-knife,)  of  its  cavity,  will  enable  us  to 
examine  into  the  condition  of  it.  Should  there  be  no  lesion  or 
exposure  of  the  laminre  detectable,  nothing  further  will  be  needed 
from  the  drawing-knife  than  the  cleaning  out  of  the  crack. 

Firing  the  crack  is  the  next  operation.  Cross-firing  will  be 
advisable  below  or  above,  or  in  both  situations,  according  to  cir- 
cumstances. So  long  as  the  crack  has  not  reached  to  the  bottom 
of  the  wall,  it  will  be  requisite,  with  an  ordinary  firing-iron,  at  a 
red  heat,  to  burn  a  deep  but  short  fissure,  or  *  mark,'  across  its 
lower  extremity;  and  whether  a  similar  operation  be  required 
across  the  superior  termination  of  the  crack,  must  depend  uj'on 
its  extension  or  not  through  the  horn  at  the  coronet.  If  there  Le 
any  interval  of  sound  horn  between  the  hair  and  the  crack,  of 
sufficient  breadth  and  substance  to  bear  firing,  a  very  slight  burn 
may  do  good.  In  all  cases  it  is  the  practice  to  finish  the  firing 
with  running  the  sharp  edge  of  the  iron  down  the  crack  ;  and  thia 
oeitainly  j)roves  beneficial  in  destroying  any  tendency  there  may 
be  (supposing  the  lamina)  to  have  become  denuded)  to  abnormal 
action,  as  well  to  stimulate  any  vascular  parts  exposed  to  Lssuf 
horny  matter  to  cover  in  the  bottom  of  the  crack. 


358  I).ADDS  VEIRRINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Binding  up  the  crack  is  a  good  practice  after  firing.  With  k 
wax-end  of  sufficient  length  (such  as  shoemakers  use)  bind  round 
the  wall  of  the  hoof,  so  that  any  tar  or  pitch-plaster  it  may  be 
deemed  advisable  to  place  in  or  upon  the  crack  mav  be  maintained 
there;  at  the  same  time  the  hoof  itself  is,  by  t.e  tight  binding 
restricted  in  any  tendency  it  may  have  to  expand,  and  thereby 
open  wider  the  crack. 

A  bar-shoe  is  the  preferable  one  for  a  sand-cracked  foot.  By 
it,  the  bearing  being  taken  off  that  part  of  the  wall  which  is  oppo- 
site to  the  crack,  the  pressure  and  jar,  so  continually  splitting 
afresh  the  new-formed  horn  over  the  crack  at  the  coronet,  is  put 
a  stop  to,  the  formation  of  an  undivided  coronary  horny  band  be- 
ing the  commencement  of  the  radical  cure  of  the  sand-crack.  As 
I  said  before,  horn  being  an  inorganic  substance,  no  union  what- 
ever can  take  place  in  the  crack  itself.  Permanent  cure  can  be 
effected  only  through  obliteration  by  the  growing  out  or  down  of 
the  crack,  This,  I  repeat,  is  the  reason  why  a  sand-crack  occupies 
80  long  a  time  in  its  removal;  though,  by  way  of  compensation,  a 
horse  is  not  kept  out  of  work  while  cure  is  being  effected ;  for, 
after  the  crack  has  been  bound  up,  and  the  hoof  shod  with  a  bar- 
shoe,  it  is  quite  surprising  to  find  how  soundly  and  firmly  the 
animal  sometimes  steps  upon  the  foot  of  which  he  had  but  now 
been  so  lame. 

The  treatment  adopted  by  the  late  Mr.  Read,  V.  S.,  of  Cred- 
iton,  carries  the  same  object  into  execution,  through  a  different 
method  of  procedure.  This,  as  detailed  in  the  volume  of  the 
'Veterinarian'  for  1848,  consists  in  simply  isolating  the  fissure 
within  the  segment  of  a  circle,  by  means  of  an  ordinary  firing- 
iron.  The  best  plan  is  to  operate  with  the  heel  of  the  iron,  be- 
ginning at  the  coronet  with  either  extremity  of  the  segment,  and 
bringing  the  iron  to  a  finish  at  the  center.  The  iron  should  be  at 
a  strong  red  heat,  and  be  carried  through  the  horny  crust  until  it 
ouches  lightly  the  sensible  laminse,  and  so  throughout  the  entiif 
Semicircle.  A?  you  recede  from  the  coronet,  so,  in  proportion, 
you  will  require  to  deepen  the  fissure  in  the  crust.  The  iron 
ought  to  be  applied  every  week  or  ten  days.  The  first  effect  de- 
Birablf  tc  bt  produced  is  a  bulging  of  the  crust  around  the  coronet 
within  the  segment,  and  when  once  this  is  fairly  established,  the 
cure  may  be  said  to  be  effected,  it  being  seldom  necessary  to  apply 
the  cautery  afterward.     The  old  method  of  makinof  a  Mue  with 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  35» 

the  iron  across  the  fissure  can  not  prevent  the  opening  and  closure 
of  the  fissure  during  the  action  of  the  foot;  whereas,  isolating  the 
fissure  (or  part  of  it)  within  the  segment  of  a  circle  completely 
effects  the  object.  No  tar-cord  or  strapping,  or  alteration  of  the 
shoe,  is  required  to  limit  the  motion  of  the  crust,  all  motion  being 
suspended  within  the  segment,  and  especially  after  bulging  haa 
commenced. 

The  objects  of  treatment,  after  what  has  been  stated,  will  clearly 
appear  to  be,  first,  to  place  the  hoof  in  such  a  condition  as  shall 
not  render  it  liable  to  crack  again;  second,  to  remove  that  state 
of  it  which,  in  the  first  instance,  disposed  it  to  crack,  if  it  were 
not  of  itself  the  immediate  cause  of  cracking.  The  way  in  which 
the  first  object  is  effected  has  been  already  shown,  and  when  this 
has  become  accomplished,  past  all  risk  of  return,  we  may  set  about 
to  bring  into  effect  the  second.  A  bar-shoe,  from  its  taking  the 
bearing  off  the  quarters  and  placing  it  upon  the  frog,  will,  in  a 
measure,  give  facility  to  what  we  now  are  desirous  of  preventing; 
namely,  the  expansion  of  the  heels  of  the  foot ;  but  a  tip  (pro- 
viding it  can  be  worn,  which  it  frequently  may,  with  great  ad- 
vantage, after  a  bar-shoe)  will  bring  about  greater  reform  still — 
will,  ii-i  fact,  by  persistence  in  its  use,  bring  about,  in  time,  that 
improved  form  of  hoof  which  will  be  no  more  liable  to  quarter 
sand-crack. 

The  treatment  of  toe  sand-crack  is,  in  some  respects,  a  different 
affair  from  that  of  quarter  sand-crack.  This  disease  is  not  only 
different  in  its  relative  situation  as  regards  other  parts  of  the  foot, 
Imt  it  arises,  as  we  have  seen,  from  a  totally  different  causation. 
NVlien  once  it  has  occurred,  it  becomes,  compared  with  the  other, 
a  serious  affair.  The  horse  is  lame,  too  lame  to  continue  his  work, 
probably,  and  we  have  a  penetrant  crack  to  deal  with,  extending 
all,  or  nearly  all,  the  way  from  the  coronet  to  the  toe,  discharging 
blood,  or,  perhaps,  matter  of  some  ichorous,  offensive  desciii)tion, 
plainly  csilling  upon  us  for,  not  binding  up,  etc.,  as  in  the  former 
case,  but  for  opening,  cleansing,  and  dressing  the  same.  The  shoe 
being  taken  off,  let  the  crack  be  pared  out,  and  freed  from  all 
horny  /ags  and  asperities,  and  laid  completely  open  to  view,  so 
that  the  bottom  can  be  inspected  and  dressed  with  whatever  may 
be  deemed  requisite.  In  fact,  when  once  the  fissure  is  dilated  into 
a  clean  and  open  channel  by  tlie  drawing-knife,  waim  baths  or 
poultices,  or  dressings  of  any  kind,  as  may  become  necessar*',  are 


360  UAhDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERl. 

now  applicable,  the  case  being  in  this  stage  no  more  than  «e  cl 
dilated  sinus  in  the  foot,  similar  to  wliat  might,  in  another  situa- 
tion, be  called  quittor.  As  with  the  quarter  sand-crack,  the  cure 
will,  of  course,  be  tedious  in  its  duration,  since  we  know  that  all 
comp'rete  repair  can  only  come  from  the  coronet.  The  sensilive 
laruinfe  liavini^:  the  jiower  of  secreting  horny  larainse,  may,  as  in 
th(  qu;n  ler  crack,  issue  a  sort  of  horny  covering-in  of  the  bottom 
of  the  tissure;  but  fissure  or  cleft  will  ever  remain  so  long  as  an 
integral  formation  of  horn  does  not  grow  down  from  the  source  of 
secretion. 

Whenever  the  horse  is  in  a  condition  for  w^ork,  a  bar-shoe,  so 
made  that  at  the  toe  the  sides  of  the  shoe  remain  unjoined  together, 
an  interval  being  left  of  sufficient  width  to  receive  the  crack  in 
front  of  the  hoof,  is,  perhaps,  the  best.  Binding  the  hoof  up  with 
circles  of  wax-end,  as  in  the  ease  of  quarter  sand-crack,  with  some 
plaster  or  dressing  underneath  it,  will  also  now  become  advisable. 
It  will  restrict  the  spreading  inclination  of  the  hoof,  as  well  as 
keep  dirt  and  wet  out  of  the  crack.  Repetition  of  this,  and  the 
continuance  of  the  bar-shoe,  wall  be  required  so  long  as  there  ap- 
pears any  risk  of  an  extension  or  renewal  of  the  crack.' "  * 

The  diseases  of  the  hoof  here  alluded  to  are  very  apt  to  occur  in 
horses  whose  walls  of  the  hoof  are  thin  and  brittle.  They  are,  to 
a  certain  extent,  non-elastic,  and,  therefore,  do  not  ward  off  the 
necessary  amount  of  concussion  when  the  animal  is  traveling  over 
hard  roads.  At  the  same  time  there  is  always  a  liability  to  incip- 
ient and  permanent  contraction  in  such  hoof.  More  especially  ia 
this  the  case  when  the  foot  is  mutilated  by  paring  or  cutting  away 
the  bars  (the  main  stages  or  supports  which  prevent  the  heela 
approximating).  These  are  the  kind  of  feet  on  which  the  but- 
teris-knife  and  rasp  should  be  used  with  great  caution ;  for,  being 
naturally  weak,  and  perhaps  congenitally  defective  in  the  function 
of  secreting  horn,  and  the  necessary  amount  of  moisture  to  keep 
the  part  pliant,  any  unnecessary  tinkering  with  such  tools  is  Inad- 
missible. Such  hoofs  lack  moisture;  therefore  they  should  be 
well  soaked;  night  and  morning,  in  warm  water ;  afterward  wiped 
dry,  and  then  smeared  with  a  portion  of  the  following : 

No.  5''.  Neats-foot  oil 8  oz. 

Kerosene 4  oz. 

Lamp-black 1  table-spoonful. 

*  London  "  Veterinarian." 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES. 


3G1 


Mix  -well,  and  apply  twice  daily,  by  means  of  a  common  varnish- 
brush. 

Very  many  diseases  of  the  feet,  which  are  of  daily  occurrence, 
might  be  prevented  by  proper  attention  to  the  feet.  "  No  foot,  no 
horse ;"  hence  the  feet  need  to  be  kept  as  free  from  filth  as  other 
parts  of  the  body.  I  think  that  a  great  majority  of  English 
grooms  pay  as  much,  if  not  more,  attention  to  horses  feet  than  to 
'other  parts  of  the  body,  and  thus  many  forms  of  foot  lameness  are 
avoided. 

Curvature  and  Disease  of  the  Spin]   ("  Sway  Back/* 
"Hollow  Back"). 

The  annexed  engraving,  represents  a  case  of  curvature  of  the 
spine  in  a  downward  direction,  knoM'n  in  stable  language  as  hol- 
low back.  It  usually,  when  it  makes  its  appearance,  occurs  in 
aged  horses,  and  probably  arises  from  putting  too  much  weight 
cca  the  animal's  back. 


SECTION  OF  THE   SPINE. 


It  will  be  observed  that  two  of  the  superior  spinous  processes 
of  the  vertebrae  are  united  (anchylosed),  and  ossific  deposits  are 
thrown  out  on  the  surfliccs  of  the  spine.  On  the  lower  part,  be- 
neath the  diseased  spine,  a  cleft  is  seen,  showing  that  there  is  an 
incomplete  dislocation,  and  the  capsular  ligament  was  probably 
dislocated  or  torn. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  the  reader  to  know,  if  ho  docs  not 
already,  that  the  bones,  like  other  parts  of  the  body,  are  composed 
of  arteries,  veins,  absorbent  vessels,  nerves,  and  a  cellular  texture. 
They  are  endowed  with  vitality,  are  nourished,  grow,  Avaste,  and 
are  repaired,  and  undergo  various  mutations,  according  to  the  age 
of  the  animal  ;  and  they  are  subject  to  disease  analagous  to  the 


362  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERi. 

soft  parts.  To  the  phosphate  of  lime,  which  is,  more  or  less,  dis- 
tributed in  their  texture,  they  owe  their  solidity ;  and  perhaps  it 
is  to  the  same  earthy  substance  that  the  difference  in  their  vital 
properties,  and  in  their  diseases  from  those  of  the  rest  of  the  body, 
is  to  be  referred.  In  fact,  this  particular  organization  and  inferior 
vitality  of  the  bones  are  generally  supposed  to  account  for  the 
small  number,  peculiar  character,  and  general  slow  progress  of 
their  diseases. 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  a  horse  shows  any  symptom  of  undue 
curvature  of  the  spine,  he  must  not  be  used  under  the  saddle  ;  but, 
provided  he  can  work,  he  may  be  used  lightly  in  a  buggy.  li 
unfit  for  work,  the  owner  knows  what  is  best  to  do  with  him.  I 
should  give  an  animal  afflicted  with  this  disease  a  wine-glassful  of 
cod-liver  oil,  two  or  three  times  per  week,  and  one  table-spoonful 
of  flour  of  bone,  every  night,  in  the  food.  If  this  article  can  not 
oe  procured,  substitute  for  it  phosphate  of  lime. 

OsTEO  Porosis  (knoavn  as  Big  Head  and  Big  Jaw). 

The  terms  big  head  and  big  jaw  are  used  by  husbandmen  an«l 
others  in  Ohio,  and,  indeed,  throughout  the  Great  West  and  South, 
to  designate  a  disease  of  the  bony  structure  of  the  horse — a  disease 
about  which  very  little  of  a  reliable  character  has  ever  been  sai*i 
or  written ;  yet  the  subject  is  one  of  great  importance  to  the  peo- 
ple of  this  country,  for  the  shnple  reason  that  the  evil  is  one  of 
alarming  proportions ;  and  should  the  disease  multiply  in  a  ratio 
equal  to  that  of  the  past  few  years,  it  will  be  a  terrible  blow  to  the 
laudable  and  hitherto  profitable  enterprise  of  raising  colts  in  sec- 
tions where  this  disease  prevails. 

We  do  not  wish  to  create  any  unnecessary  alarm,  but  urge  the 
husbandmen  of  the  South  and  South-west  to  give  this  subjtrct 
their  earnest  consideration  ;  for  the  disease  probably  has  an  hered- 
itary ori'gin — is  "  inbred  " — and  that,  as  the  saying  is,  "  constitute* 
the  root  of  the  evil."  The  disease  having  been  pronounced  incur- 
able, our  only  hopes  of  success  in  putting  a  stop  to  its  propaga- 
tion an  1  development  is,  to  adopt  preventive  measures,  by  reject- 
ing, as  breeders,  all  animals  (sire  and  dam)  that  show  the  least 
predis])Osition  to  or  for  this  afiection. 

Let  the  reader  understand  that  the  disease  itself  is  incurable  in 
BO  far  as  the  enlargement,  dilatation,  and  softening  of  the  jaw- 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  363 

bones  ait.  concerned ;  yet,  like  spavin,  ring-bone,  and  various  other 
diseases,  it  is  accompanied,  in  certain  stages,  by  pain  and  lameness, 
and  our  services  as  physicians  are  only  secured  in  view  of  remov- 
ing this,  pain  and  lameness,  so  that  the  animal  may  be  enabled  to 
perform  the  ordinary  equine  duties.  This  is  what  some  persons 
please  to  term  a  cure,  whereas  it  almost  always  happens  that  some 
alteration  in  the  structure  of  the  2)arts  remains,  which  actually 
renders  the  horse  unsound,  because  he  has  that  about  him  which 
may,  from  overwork  or  other  exciting  causes,  impair  his  useful- 
ness. 


THE   PATELLA,    OR  STIFLE   BONE. 


This  cut  shows  the  appearance  of  di.«ease  on  artieulatory  surfaces  when  the  animal  is  th« 
subject  of  Osteo  Porosis,  or  Big  Head. 

As  regards  the  "alarming"  features  of  big  head  or  big  jaw,  we 
■would  inform  the  reader  that  almost  every  lame  horse  examined 
by  us,  during  a  period  of  six  months,  in  Ohio,  had  either  one  or 
the  oth.er  jaw  enlarged.  In  some  eases  one  angle  of  the  lover  jaw 
was  the  seat  of  thickening  and  enlargement,  but  among  the  majoi'ity 
both  angles  were  affected.  These  remarks  do  not  apply  to  other 
obvious  or  accidental  lamenesses  which  are  con.stantly  occurring. 

A  short  time  ago  we  visited,  in  company  with  a  practicing  vet- 
erinarian whose  attention  had  never  been  called  to  this  affection, 
three  horses,  the  subjects  of  lameness,  which  was  said  to  V)e  occa- 
sioned by  eating  Hungarian  grass.  To  the  a.stoni.slifcnent  of  the 
parties  concerned,  we  demonstrated  that  tliey  were  all  the  subjects 
of  enlargements  of  the  lower  jaws.     From  the  history  of  the  cases, 


364  DAUB'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

and  the  character  of  the  lameness,  it  was  veiy  evident  that  it  wan 
of  an  inter-articular  character,  and  this  is  a  peculiar  feature  of  thia 
affection.  Then,  again,  the  reader  must  bear  in  mind  that  the  jawa 
of  animals  do  not  dilate  nor  enlarge  suddenly,  nor  make  their  ap- 
pearance ail  at  once,  like  a  meteor  in  the  regions  of  space.  Thp 
affection  is  insidious,  progresses  in  an  almost  imperceptible  manner 
and  usually  escapes  the  notice  of  those  who  daily  have  charge  of  and 
handle  the  animal,  as  the  following  case,  which  is  selected  from 
among  others,  will  serve  to  illustrate : 

A  few  years  ago  a  gentleman  purchased  what  then  appeared  as 
a  fine  family  horse — a  sorrel  gelding,  aged  five  years.  About  the 
beginning  of  March,  one  year  after  the  purchase,  in  attempting  to 
walk  the  animal  from  one  stable  to  another,  but  a  short  distance 
off,  he  became  suddenly  lame  in  one  of  the  hind  limbs,  low  down, 
toward  the  foot,  and  it  was  found  almost  impossible  to  urge  him 
forward.  Finally,  assistance  was  procured,  and  the  animal  had, 
literally,  to  be  carried  into  a  stable.  Our  services  having  been 
secured,  we  visited  the  sufferer,  and  found  him  standing  on  three 
legs,  the  near  hind  one  being  placed  resting  on  the  toe.  The  parts 
around  the  coronet  were  hot,  and  the  patient  was  very  unwilling 
to  have  the  parts  handled.  He  seemed  to  suffer  much  pain,  was 
breathing  hurriedly,  and  the  pulsations  were  quick  and  wiry.  The 
near  approach  of  any  person  seemed  to  terrify  the  animal,  and  he 
actually  trembled,  from  fear  and  pain,  when  urged  to  move.  On 
making  an  examination  of  the  jaws,  we  found  that  both  angles 
of  the  lower  jaw  were  enlarged  to  about  two  inches  in  thickness. 
This  explained  the  nature  of  the  sudden  and  otherwise  mysterious 
lameness.  The  articulating  surfaces  of  various  bones,  and  the 
bones  themselves,  had  become  diseased,  as  is  often  the  case  in 
big  jaw.  The  owner  assured  us  that  the  horse  had  never  before 
been  lame,  and  he  was  very  much  surprised  to  find  the  lower  jaw 
enlarged. 

Here  the  reader  will  perceive  that  the  animal  had  been  in  the 
owner's  possession  one  year;  hod  performed  ordinary  duty,  yet 
was  the  subject  of  a  gradual  enlargement  of  the  jaw  and  a  consti- 
tutional disease,  which  probably  existed,  yet  in  a  slight  degree,  at 
the  time  of  purchase.  Hence  we  contend  that  the  disease,  in  ita 
early  stages,  is  of  a  hidden  or  insidious  character,  and  requires  some 
tact  and  knowledge  of  the  subject  in  order  to  detect  it. 

Nature  of  the  disease. — Big  head  and  big  jaw  are  :ut  one  form 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES. 


365 


of  disease,  only  located  in  different  parts.  "When  the  upper  jaw 
becomes  the  seat  of  aifeetion,  an  enlargement  of  the  facial  bones 
will  bo  observed,  and  the  examiner's  attention  will  be  attracted  by 
the  unnatural  appearance  of  the  face.     As  the  disease  progresses. 


AUTICULATING  SURFACE  OF  THK    lirUMI    liOSE. 

Explanation— 1  J  1,  Articulating  surface  of  the  lower  or  inferior  part  of  the  thigh  bone  occur- 
ring in  the  disease  known  as  Osteo  Porosis,  or  Big  Head. 

the  fice  looks  more  like  that  of  an  elephant  than  a  horse ;  and  now, 
the  disease  being  incurable,  the  subject  should  mercifully  be  put 
out  of  his  misery.  The  enlargement  of  the  lower  jaw  is  discov- 
ered by  manipulation.  On  removing  the  skin  from  the  sides  of 
the  flice  of  such  a  subject,  and  dissecting  the  muscles  and  perios- 
teum (covering  of  bone),  the  bones  appear  to  have  undergone  a 
softening  process,  and  particles  can  be  separated  by  means  of  the 
finger-nails.  At  the  same  time,  if  a  transverse  section  of  any  of 
the  shaft-bones  be  made,  tlioy  will  be  found  to  have  undergone 
structural  changes.  For  example,  they  will  not  only  a]i]icar  soft- 
ened, but  honey-combed,  and  many  of  the  laminte  and  cartilagi- 
nous braces  will  have  been  decomposed  or  dissolved,  so  that  the 
bone  looks  like  fibrous  net-work.     In  most  cases,  the  vacuitiea 


J66  DADD'S  VEIERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEHT. 

and  canals  are  filled  with  material  resembling  soft  cheese,  whicb 
IS  probably  fatty  matter.  This  occasionally  degenerates  into  pus. 
Dr.  Gordon  forwarded  me,  some  time  ago,  the  head  of  a  horse 
who  had  long  been  the  subject  of  this  malady.  The  transverse 
diameter  of  the  bones  of  both  upper  and  lower  jaw  was  very  much 
enlarged;  the  periosteum  was  very  highly  organized  with  blood- 
vessels; the  bones  were  softened  and  elastic,  and  could  be  easily 
cut  with  a  knife.  On  submitting  them  to  the  acid  test,  earthy 
matter  was  found  in  excess,  and,  by  burning  them,  it  was  found 
that  they  contained  very  little  animal  matter ;  hence  we  were  led 
to  infer  that  the  disease  was  one  of  mal-nutrition.  The  articular 
surfaces  of  various  bones,  and  sometimes  all  the  bones  of  the  body, 
are  often  ulcerated  and  studded  with  incrustations.  This  explains 
the  why  and  wherefore  of  the  sudden  and  tormenting  pains  which 
animals  suffer,  and  goes  to  show  how  little  of  benefit  can  be  ex- 
pected from  the  ordinary  treatment,  which  is  principally  directed 
to  the  enlarged  jaws. 

On  removing  these  diseased  cartilages  from  the  articulating 
surfaces  of  the  bones,  the  latter  are  found  to  be  affected — in  fact, 
ulcerated.  In  some  cases  the  ligaments  and  tendons  are  separated 
by  decomposition,  or  necrosis  of  bone,  and  the  animal  "  breaks 
down,"  as  the  saying  is. 

The  subjects  of  this  disease  sometimes  show  lameness  in  the 
vertebral  region,  and  in  that  of  the  head  of  the  thigh  bone.  Iq 
such  cascp,  we  may  safely  infer  that  the  lameness  is  of  an  articular 
character,  and  the  interticular  cartilages,  as  well  as  the  surfaces  of 
the  bones,  are  incrustated  and  ulcerated.  In  this  condition,  tbe 
animal  is  liable  to  become  useless,  or  "  break  down  "  at  any  mo- 
ment. The  following  case  will  illustrate  what  is  meant  by  break- 
ing down : 

We  were  requested,  a  short  time  ago,  by  Prof.  Muzzy,  to  ex- 
amine an  aged  gray  gelding,  the  subject  of  lameness  in  the  hind 
feet.  Examination  revealed  considerable  heat,  tenderness,  and 
tumefaction  around  both  the  hind  coronets,  and  both  angles  of  the 
lower  jaw  were  much  enlarged  in  their  transverse  diameters.  Wa 
advised  the  owner  to  let  the  animal  have  a  run  at  grass.  Accord- 
ingly he  was  sent  into  the  country  about  thirty  miles,  which  wa« 
too  long  a  journey  for  him.  A  few  days  afterward.  Prof.  MuzzY 
received  a  letter  that  the  horse's  strings  (tendons)  became  loose, 
ana  he  broke  down  and  traveled  on  his  fetlocks,  ind  was  then 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  367 

deaJ.  We  infer  thiit  necrosis  took  place,  and  the  extensor  ten- 
dons lost  their  at  achmeni,  wliieh  accounted  for  his  breaking  down. 

Prof.  Varnell  hUely  consulted  Dr.  Harley,  of  London,  in 
reference  to  this  formidable  malady,  which  is  said  to  have  been 
almost  unknown  in  England  until  November,  1859,  when  several 
cases  occurred  among  some  horses  the  property  of  Mr.  Champion 
Calcot,  near  Reading.  Three  of  this  gentleman's  animals  had 
died,  a  fourth  was  not  expected  to  live  many  days,  and  two  others 
were  laboring  under  the  same  disease,  in  a  less  acute  form.  The 
most  singular  feature  of  the  disease,  as  it  appeared  on  the  prem- 
ises of  ]SIr.  Calcot,  was,  that  it  did  not  appear  to  owe  its  origin 
to  any  perceivable  cause,  and  it  was  not  known  to  be  prevalent  in 
any  other  part  of  England.  Still,  our  opinion  is  that  it  doea 
exist  in  that  country,  only,  not  being  suspected,  is  not  sought  for. 
It  prevails  very  extensively  among  horses  brought  to  Ohio,  and 
hundreds  of  horses  have  been  purchased  for  the  American  Gov- 
ernment having  more  or  less  enlargement  of  the  lower  jaw,  yet 
we  do  not  believe  that  either  seller  or  purchaser  susj)ected  the 
same.  This  arises  from  a  lack  of  knowledge  on  the  subject,  and 
the  same  remarks,  as  far  as  our  ignorance  of  the  subject,  is  con- 
cern f^d,  a\ay  apply  to  England. 

In  answer  to  questions  put  to  IVIr.  Calcot  on  the  subject  of  man- 
dgeraent,  etc,  he  contends  that  the  affected  animals  had  plenty 
of  exercise.  There  were  no  chemical  factories  or  works  in  the 
vicinity.  One  horse  affected  was  purchased  at  a  distance;  the 
rest  had  been  bred  on  his  farm.  The  sires  and  dams  all  appeared 
free  from  the  disease,  and  they  were  not  all  got  by  the  same  sire. 
The  food  consisted  of  good  grass,  hay,  pollard,  oatmeal,  and  routs. 
Other  horses  were  on  the  farm,  fed  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
affected  ones,  yet  they  had  no  symptoms  of  the  disease.  (Perhaps 
they  will  show  symptoms  when  the  jaws  shall  be  examined.  They 
may  have  the  disease,  yet  not  be  lame  nor  ap])areutly  ailing.) 
Mj.  Calcot  never  saw  a  case  of  the  kind  before. 

From  the  above  testimony,  we  may  infer  that  the  causes  of  this 
affection  are  not  yet  discovered  in  England ;  but  our  impression 
is  that  overfeeding  has  a  good  deal  to  do  in  the  production  of 
the  malady.  It  appears  to  me  that  this  disease,  as  I  have  already 
fttated,  is  one  of  malnutrition,  or  defective  nourishment ;  hence 
may  be  considered  as  a  scorbutic  affection,  like  that  affecting  the 
humnn  subject,  which  is  known  to  bt  *he  result  of  faulty  nutri- 


368  DADD'S   VETKKINAKF   MEDICINE  AND  SUKGERi. 

tiou,  and  which  often  results  in  division  of  bony  parts  which 
were  once  immovable  (the  epiphysis  of  the  pelvis,  for  example) ; 
also  in  the  separation  of  cartilages  from  the  ribs,  and  the  shaf 
bones  softened  and  ruined  by  carles  (ulceration  or  death  of  bonci  • 
Big  head  and  big  jaw  are  terms  sufficiently  explicit  in  virdinarj 
amversation;  but,  in  view  of  scientific  inquiry,  it  is  necessary  t<, 
employ  terms  indicative  of  the  pathology  of  the  disease.  We  can 
not  expect,  however,  to  select  any  one  name  that  shall  tpply  to 
all  the  pathological  condi':ions  during  the  rise,  progress,  and  ter- 
mination of  this  peculia.'  malady.  The  condition  of  the  bones 
is  a  state  of  enlargement,  (porousness  and  softening ;)  hence  the 
name  osteo  porosis. 

Causes. — We  have  already  informed  the  reader  that  the  disease 
may  have  an  hereditary  origin ;  otherwise,  we  can  not  account  for 
its  universal  prevalence.  In  certain  lor  alities,  under  the  ordinary 
modes  of  feeding  and  general  managerjent,  we  grant  that  at  first 
the  disease  might  have  had  an  accidental  or  spontaneous  origin, 
and  finally  become  permanent  and  transmissible.  For  example, 
glanders  and  farcy  afford  illustrations  of  a  spontaneous  disease 
becoming  contagious  and  transmissible.  There  must  have  been  a 
.me  when  neither  of  the  two  latter  diseases  existed ;  hence,  when 
the  first  subject  became  glandered,  he  could  not  have  taken  it  by 
infection  or  by  contagion,  but  it  must  have  had  a  spontaneous 
origin,  and,  finally,  became  permarent.  We  do  not  pretend  to 
urge  that  the  active  disease  itself  is  transmissible ;  yet,  in  certain 
mses,  a  predisj)osition  is  transferred  to  the  progeny.  This  may 
oe  called  the  })redisposing  cause ;  the  ordinary  exciting  causes  are 
those  which  disturb  and  derange  the  digestive  function.  The 
digestive  or  nutritive  function  is  deranged,  both  by  excessive  and 
defective  functional  labors,  or  by  the  animal  existing  on  food  that 
does  not  contain  the  necessary  amount  of  nitrogenous  or  muscle* 
making;  matter.  This  is  the  case  when  Indian  corn  is  used  as 
food  for  a  great  length  of  time.  It  is  hard  to  digest,  is  deficient 
in  nitrogen,  and  almost  always  over-distends  the  stomach ;  for, 
when  submitted  to  the  action  of  heat  and  the  gastric  fluids,  it 
increases  in  bulk  to  about  five  or  six  times  its  original  capacity. 
I  have  noticed  that  where  much  whole  corn  is  fed,  as  in  Ohio  and 
Indiana,  the  disease  is  most  prevalent.  Associated  with  the  pre- 
disposing causes  are  otli«rs — for  example,  hard  usage,  Bcr^  abuaa 
and  bad  stable  management. 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VaAIUUS  CAUSES.  S69 

This  disease  is  rarely  ever  heard  of  in  England,  probably  from 
the  hct  that  the  food  of  horses  is  rich  in  phosphates  and  nitrogen, 
while  corn  contains  more  Df  starchy  matter,  which,  instead  of  fur- 
niohing  material  for  the  preparation  of  muscular  or  animal  matter, 
merely  furnishes  that  which  is  consumed  in  process  of  respiration. 

Treatment. — The  ordinary  treatment,  as  practiced  by  some  per- 
sona, 18  to  bore  into  the  jaw-bone,  and  inject  the  same  with  some 
oonosive  poison.  Others  expose  the  jaw-bone,  and  saw  out  a 
section  of  the  same.  Some  persons  blister,  or  apply  preparations 
of  i^>dine.  Such  treatment,  I  think,  only  tends  to  create  unneces- 
eary  irritation  and  pain,  and  can  not  possibly  be  of  any  benefit, 
for  I  conteud  that  the  disease  is  not  local,  but  constitutional,  and 
the  reader  will  probably,  after  perusing  this  dissertation,  come  to 
the  same  conclasion.  The  disease  has  extensive  ramifications  in 
various  parts  of  the  bony  fabric,  and,  therefore,  the  local  treatment 
must  fail  in  curing  the  malady.  Cases  may  arise  which  require 
surgical  operations,  and  if  so,  I  have  no  objections  to  offer.  I 
have  often  been  told  that  horses,  after  having  all  sorts  of  barbar- 
ities practiced  on  them,  have  recovered.  This,  so  far  as  the  treat- 
ment is  concerned,  is  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  old 
error,  "  He  got  well  after  taking  my  medicine ;  therefore,  in  con- 
sequence of  taking  it."  This  is  assuming  a  falsehood  for  a  fact 
and  then  giving  fanciful  reasons  for  it. 

In  view  both  of  prevention  and  cure  of  this  organic  disease  of 
the  bones  and  their  articulations,  more  is  to  be  accomplished  by 
regimen  than  by  medicine.  The  animal  should  always  be  pro- 
vided with  wholesome  diet,  and  whenever  green  vegetables  can  be 
obtained,  they  should  be  fed  liberally,  or,  what  is  much  better, 
provided  the  season  permits,  allow  the  animal  to  roam  in  a  pasture. 
Whenever  I  have  a  case  of  this  kind  under  treatment,  I  furnish 
apples,  beets,  carrots,  cab])age,  or  any  other  kind  of  vegetable  that 
I  can  procure.  I  find  that  such  articles  are  usually  devoured  with 
good  relish.  The  object  in  feeding  green  food  is  to  combat  the 
scorbutic  diathesis  which  usually  exists.  The  patient  should  also 
be  allowed  from  five  to  seven  quarts  of  oats  per  day. 

When  a  horse  with  an  enlargement  of  the  lower  or  upper  jaw 
is  suddenly  attacked  with  acute  lameness,  he  should  be  placed  in 
%  wide  stall,  and  the  parts  where  the  lameness  appears  to  be  lo- 
cated, as  well  as  the  jaws,  should  be  diligemtly  rubbed,  twice  daily, 
with  a  portion  of  the  following : 
24 


370  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surgery. 

No.  58.   Spirits  of  can4>hor 6  oz. 

^  Cod-liver  oil 4  oz. 

Oil  of  cedar 2  oz. 

Diluted  acetic  acid 1  pint. 

Mix. 

Then  procure  the  following  i 

No.  59.  Chlorate  of  potass 2  oa. 

Powdered  ginger 4  oz. 

Gentian 3  oz. 

Podophyllum 2  oz. 

Poplar  bark , 6  oz. 

Mix. 

Dose,  one  ounce  night  and  morning,  to  be  incorporated  in  the 
food. 

This  treatment  usually  palliates  the  lameness.  Should  it  not 
do  so,  the  owner  must  be  patient,  and  give  Nature  time  to  restore 
the  animal  to  comparative  usefulness.  Flour  of  bone  or  phosphate 
of  lime  may  be  given,  at  the  rate  of  a  couple  of  ounces  per  day. 
Such  agents  are  always  indicated  in  the  treatment  of  the  above 
malady. 

Spavin. 

Spavin  consists  of  an  exostosis  of  the  hock,  commonly  located 
on  the  inner  side,  whereby  bones  before  moveable  become  cemented 
and  fixtd  together,  and  which  is  often  productive  of  ulceration  of 
the  aiticular  surfaces  of  one  or  more  of  the  joints  of  the  hock. 
Sometimes,  however,  spavin  makes  its  appearance  on  the  anterior 
or  front  part  of  the  hock,  and  sometimes  there  is  no  enlargement 
to  be  discovered.  Such  cases,  unaccompanied  by  enlargement,  are 
called  inter-articular  spavin. 

/Si/mjJtoms. — "  The  symptoms  of  spavin,"  says  Mr.  Percivall, 
"  are,  in  geneial,  plain,  simple,  and  unequivocal.  The  horse  mani- 
fests lameness  in  one  of  his  hind  limbs,  and,  on  examination,  a 
circumscribed  spheroid  tumor,  of  the  magnitude  of  half  a  walnut 
or  more,  is  evidant  enough  both  to  the  sight  and  feel  of  the  man 
practiced  in  such  matters.  Lameness,  however,  the  effect  of 
spavin,  may  be  present  without  any  detectable  tumor. 

My  own  observation  has  led  me  to  note  two  kinds  of  lameness 
in  spavin— one,  the  effect  either  of  the  ordinary  subacute  or  chroilic 
inflammation,  or  of  partial  anchylosis  of  the  parts,  is  but  compar- 
atively slight,  and  consists,  for  the  most  part,  in  stiffness  on  motion. 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES. 


371 


oi  in  defective  flexible  power  of  the  hock-joint ;  the  other,  the  effect 
of  acute  inflammation  of  the  spavined  parts,  or  else  of  ulceration 
of  the  joints,  consists  in  a  sort  of  spasmodic  catching  up  of  tne 
spavined  limb  the  moment  the  heel  of  the  foot  comes  down  upon 
the  ground,  something  after  the  manner  of  string-halt.  Stiffness 
may  not  unfrequeutly  be  observed  even  in  the  horse's  side  move- 


SPAVINKD    IN     OFF    H  1  Ml     LKO  — R I  NlJlii  IN  E     IN     ALL    THE     PA8TKRN8. 

ment  In  his  stall.  AVith  such  characteristic  lameness  as  this,  and 
with  spavin  present  as  well,  evidently  hot  and  tender  to  pressure, 
there  can  exist  no  doubt  about  the  case.  Where,  however,  the 
lameness  is  but  slight,  although  a  spavin  is  present,  yet,  from  the 
absence  of  any  heat  or  tenderness  in  the  swelling,  as  well  as  from 
its  duration,  many  doubts  arise  as  to  the  cause  of  the  lameness. 
In  such  a  case  as  this,  we  should  take  advantage  of  the  well- 
known  fact  of  the  fluctuating  or  evanescent  character  of  spavin 
lameness,  to  which  end  it  is  advisable  to  have  the  horse  under 
examination  hard  ridden  or  driven,  or  otherwise  exert ised,  until 
he  be  in  a  profuse  sweat,  and  aft(>rward  kei)t  standing  tied  up  in 
a  stall,  until  he  be  cold  and  stiff  in  his  joints,  and  then  trotted 
out  again.  A  knowing  vend':'r  of  a  sjwvined  horse  mouIiI  take 
care  to  'warm'  him  bv  i  good  ride  or  dri\e  before  he  took  him 
to  show  to  the  presumed  purchaser;  and  then,  while  urder  ex- 


372  uAUDS  vi:teuinary  medicine  and  surgery. 

amination,  by  dint  of  whip  and  spur,  and  management  in  th€ 
bridle-hand,  he  might  pass  his  merchandise  off  to  an  unwary 
buyer  as  sound.  Indeed,  so  much  is  sweating  work,  or  exercise 
approaching  thereto,  apt  to  prove  a  foil  to  sliowing  lameness, 
that  one  is  almost  inclined  to  say  no  horse  ought  to  be  examined 
under  such  circumstances ;  certainly  no  horse  sus^jected  of  spavin 
The  time,  of  all  others,  that  a  spavined  horse  will  be  apt  to  man- 
ifest his  lameness  will  be  the  day  following  after  a  hard  day's 
work ;  and  when  he  makes  his  first  egress  from  the  stable  in  the 
morning  is  the  critical  period  for  examination.  Horses  that  go 
limpingly  lame  from  spavin,  lame  at  all  times,  and  lamer  still 
when  they  work,  often  experience  pain  in  the  seat  of  disease  to  a 
degree  which,  in  the  language  of  Solleysell,  causes  them  *  to  pine 
away,  especially  about  the  flanks.'  They  have  probably  beeu 
blistered  and  fired,  perhaps  setoned  ;  have  had  their  hocks  fright- 
fully scarred,  and  y-et  are  lame  to  that  degree  that  they  are  unable 
to  do  more  than  gingerly  put  the  toe  of  the  foot  of  the  spavined 
limb  to  the  ground,  and  so  painfully  hobble  along ;  and,  although 
they  may  still  maintain  their  appetite,  yet  they  are  low  in  condi- 
tion, tucked  up  in  their  flanks — evidently,  in  short, '  pining  away.* 

Such  pitiable  subjects,  it  is  true,  may  be  kept  at  work.  The 
little,  however,  they  can  do,  when  put  to  any  thing  requiring 
strength  of  action  or  pull,  together  with  the  wretched  condition 
they  are  generally  in,  is  a  fact  so  well  known  to  coach  and  omni- 
b»is  proprietors,  and  horse-keepers  in  general,  that  at  the  horse 
auctions  such  animals  fetch  little  or  nothing.  Even  for  agricul- 
tural work  such  laborers  as  these  prove  of  but  little  worfti.  Now 
and  then,  however,  it  happens  that  the  spavined  horse,  although 
treatment  has  failed  to  render  him  sound,  continues,  in  respect  to 
his  disease,  in  that  state  in  which  he  appears  to  sufier  no  local 
pain  at  all  while  at  rest,  an'^  but  little  while  at  work,  and  so  is 
able  to  do  a  considerable  ^  L  of  some  kinds  of  labor,  lasting 

in  it  perhaps  for  year^  r^dl,  such  a  horse  is  more  likely  than 
another  to  receive  injuries,  to  experience  aggravation  or  relapse 
of  disease  in  his  already  diseased  hock ;  and,  under  such  return 
or  augmentation  of  ailment,  unless  great  care  be  taken,  and  fre- 
quently with  all  the  care  we  can  take,  may  and  will  fail  altogether 

Spavins  exist  which  occasion  no  lameness.  How  this  comes  to 
pass  will  appear  when  the  time  arrives  to  consider  the  reasons  why 
vpavins  in  general  cause  lameness,  and,  on  occasions,  very  great 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAITSES.  373 

pain  as  well,  which  can  not  be  done  before  we  come  to  treat  of  the 
pathology  of  spavin.  It  is  sufficient  for  our  purpose  here  that  we 
note  and  establish  the  fact  that  lameness  is  not  a  necessary  conse- 
quence of  s])avin.  Nothing  is  more  common  than  to  meet  with 
horses,  colts  even,  who  have  what  the  dealers  call  *  knots'  ir.  their 
spavin  places;  and  the  time  was  when  such  'knots'  (which  have 
always  been  regarded  as  spavins)  were  certificated  as  constituting 
unsoundness. 

Lameness  arising  from  spavin  is  sometimes  present  v^ithout  the 
outward  appearance  of  spavin.  This  N  a  form  of  disease  better 
known  to  veterinary  surgeons  in  general,  I  believe,  under  the  de- 
nomination of  occult  hock  lameness.  My  own  attention  to  the 
subject  was  first  drawn  so  long  ago  as  in  the  year  1815,  though 
then  I  was  quite  in  the  dark  as  to  the  nature  of  the  case.  0:"i 
my  return  from  Belgium,  after  the  battle  of  Waterloo,  I  had  in 
my  possession  a  bay  blood  mare,  who  was  lame  in  one  of  her  hind 
legs  (I  forget  which),  but  whose  lameness  was  of  that  nature  that 
no  external  sign  whatever  was  apparent  to  account  for  it.  The 
liml)  had  been  searched  over  and  over  again,  by  myself  and  some 
other  veterinary  surgeons,  and  tb*'  mare  had  been  trotted  and 
walked,  circled  and  paced,  and  put  to  all  other  known  trials  anc 
tests,  without  the  examinations  ending  in  any  thing  like  concur- 
rent opinions  respecting  either  the  seat  or  the  nature  of  her  lame- 
ness. The  mare  returned  home,  marching  with  the  troops,  led 
by  a  man  on  horseback — for,  notwithstanding  her  lameness,  she 
walked  very  well — and,  as  soon  as  she  arrived  at  head-quarters 
(Woolwich),  I  showed  her  to  my  father,  at  the  time  senior  veteri- 
nary surgeon  of  the  Ordnance  Department.  He  examined  her, 
and  without  hesitation  pronounced  her  Mame  in  the  hock,'  and 
she  was  treated  accordingly;  and  the  result  was,  at  no  great  dis- 
tance of  time,  her  complete  restoration  to  soundness. 

It  is  true,  so  far  as  the  case  above  related  goes,  that  the  onlj- 
proof  that  the  mare'3  lameness  was  in  the  hock,  was  her  re^tor- 
atiim  to  soundness  after  the  application  of  remedies  to  that  joint. 
There  is,  however,  tr  be  said,  in  addition,  to  induce  us  to  believe 
that  it  was  so,  that,  of  all  the  joints  of  the  hind  limb,  no  one  is  so 
frequently  or  so  likely  to  be  deranged  as  the  hock ;  and,  conse- 
quently, from  this  fact  alone,  is  a  prima  facie  case  made  out. 
Moreo^'er,  we  ha'  a,  to  assist  us  in  our  diai:;nosis,  the  stiff  or  im- 
p*>rfect  fiexinn  of  the  hock-joint  in  action,   ».nd  the  wearing  away 


374  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE   AND  SCUGERY. 

cf  the  toe  of  th*;  shoe,  nhowing  that  the  heel  is  rarelj  or  but  verj 
gingerly  jmt  to  the  grouiul;  also  the  circuiostance,  often  observ- 
able by  the  groom,  of  the  animal  resting  the  lame  (hind)  limb  in 
the  stable ;  on  cccasions,  perhaps,  knackling  over  upon  it,  and  so 
Dealing  the  weight  upon  the  toe  alone.  And  it  has  happened 
before  now  that,  while  doubt  was  impending  as  to  the  locality 
and  nature  of  the  lameness,  a  spavin  has  made  Its  appearance,  and 
dissipated  all  further  conjecture;  and  with  this  development  of 
the  spavin,  tiie  lameness,  so  far  from  being  augmented,  is  noi 
unlikely  to  become  better.  This  is  an  observation  made  so  long 
ago  as  the  time  of  SoUeysell.  This  admirable  observer,  in  one 
part  of  his  chapter  on  spavins,  says:  'At  their  first  piercing,  they, 
generally  speaking,  make  a  horse  halt,  and  afterward  the  swelling 
growing  bigger,  the  horse  halteth  no  more  with  it.'  " 

I  have  noticed  that  spavined  horses  are  usually  the  subjects  of 
ill-shaped  hocks;  hence  this  peculiarity  of  conformation  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  such  animals  have  a  certain  amount  of  pre- 
disposition lurking  in  their  systems.  The  ordinaiy  exciting  causes 
are  sprain  or  strain,  and  overwork. 

Now,  v.hat  will  cure  spavin?  This  Question  was  propounded 
to  the  anthor,  some  time  ago,  and  the  following  answer  waia 
elicited.  The  answ(ir  is  as  good  to-day  as  when  first  written. 
"  Wliat  will  cure  spavin?"  I  answer:  Time,  rest,  and  the  appli- 
cation of  remedies  adapted  to  the  various  stages  of  the  disease. 
The  usTial  remedies,  in  the  early  stage,  are  rc£t,  frequent  use  of  the 
8ho\\  er-  bath,  and  refiigerating  lotions.  In  the  chronic  stage,  and 
when  tlie  disease  Las  commenced  on  the  articulating  surfaces  of 
the  liock-joint,  or  an  ossific  bony  enlargement  has  made  its  ap- 
pearance, then  we  resort  to  counter-irritation,  by  using  some  one 
of  the  preparationij  of  cantharides  or  iodine.  "  What  will  cure 
spavin?"  is  a  tough  question  for  a  medical  man  to  solve;  for,  if 
he  has  been  propeily  educated,  he  knows  well  enough  that  bone 
spavin,  like  hip-joint  disease  in  the  human  subject,  is,  to  all  in- 
tents and  ]>urposes,  in  jurable — I  mean  in  so  far  as  the  physiology 
and  pathology  of  tht;  parts  are  concerned.  Soft  tissues,  oncfl 
Having  been  changed  into  bone,  never  can  be  remetamorphosed 
into  the  original  condition  so  as  to  possess  theii  inherent  qualities 
of  elasticity  (contraction  and  expansion).  At  the  same  time  wi 
are  all  horsemen  enough  to  understand  what  the  term  "3ure" 
means  when  applied  to  the  disease  known  as  snavin.     It  signifies 


LAMENESS.  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  376 

freedom  from  sensibility  and  lameness,  and  a  partial  dlsapj-ear- 
ance  of  the  enlargement,  or  "  eye-sore."  As  the  reader  may  like 
to  refer  to  the  opinion  of  some  well-known  author,  as  well  aa 
what  ]  here  advance,  I  select  a  quotation  on  the  treatment  of  bone 
spavin  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Blaine  : 

"This  disease  does  not  differ  from  splint,  except  that  it  Ls  much 
ofteuer  a  cause  of  serious  lameness.  Occurring,  however,  as  it 
commonly  docs,  in  older,  horses,  it  also  proves  more  obstinate,  and 
ihe  treatment  required,  therefore,  should  be  more  active.  Atnon^ 
the  old  farriers,  who,  like  some  of  the  moderns,  thought  nothing 
too  strong  for  a  horse,  violent  mechanical  operations  were  resortM 
to,  as  the  mallet  and  chisel  to  chip  it  off,  boring  the  exostosis  with 
a  gimlet,  punching  it  with  a  hot  iron,  or  applying  caustics.  The 
first  removing  it  mechanically,  and  the  three  latter  methods  de- 
stroying its  vitality,  promoted  its  exfoliation.  As  might  be  ex- 
pected, for  one  case  which  succeeded  (and  in  some  it  certainly  did 
succeed)  in  many  it  increased  the  lameness,  or  ended  in  anchy- 
losis and  sometimes  death.  It  is  not  improbable  that  instruments 
may  yet  be  devised  which  will  operate  on  these  bony  enlargements 
without  risk,  though  the  chances  are  fewer  in  the  hock,  from  ita 
connection  with  capsular  and  bursal  ligaments,  than  in  any  other 
parts. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  pursued  by  veterinarians  of  the 
present  day  varies  somewhat.  Those  bordering  on  the  old  school 
still  rub  with  some  violence,  and  then  stimulate  them  with  oil 
origanum,  oil  terebinth,  etc.  Those  of  a  later  day  blister  and  fire. 
At  the  Veterinary  College  setons  are  used,  by  ripping  up  the  in 
tegument  and  pushing  a  needle  around,  with  tape  through  it,  so 
that  the  seton  within  the  skin  exactly  opposes  itself  to  the  spavin. 
If  the  skin  is  tender  or  tumefied,  it  is  more  proper  to  make  aa 
opening  above  and  below  the  exostosis,  and  to  push  a  blunt  seton- 
needle  or  eyed  probe  from  one  opening  to  the  other,  armed  with 
a  tape  smeared  with  mild  blistering  ointment,  or  common  turpen- 
tine. In  this  way,  report  says,  the  College  practice  has  proved 
very  successful.  Blistering  we  have,  however,  found,  wlion  re- 
peated over  and  over,  commonly  prove  equal  to  all  the  benefit 
these  obstinate  cases  can  receive;  for,  when  the  bone  deposit  La 
fiilly  formed,  it  is  in  vain  to  expect  its  entire  absorption.  Even 
its  partial  absorption  is  frustrated.  The  removal  of  acute  lame- 
aess  is  generally  the  only  benefit  which  can  be  anticipated.     Our 


376  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEJ^Tf. 

principal  hope  lies  in  preventing  the  increase  of  the  bony  dqiosit, 
aad  likewise  in  removing  that  inflammation  which  is  the  existing 
cause  of  much  of  the  pain,  stiffness,  and  tumefaction  in  the  sur- 
rounding ligaments.  Our  hopes  of  success  must  also  greatly  de- 
pend on  the  time  the  evil  has  existed.  When  it  is  early  attended 
to that  is,  before  the  bony  deposit  has  gained  its  full  solidity- 
stimulants  act  more  favorably,  and  lessen  it  more  materially.  It 
remains  to  add  that,  when  repeated  blistering  fails,  the  iring-ircD 
generally  ooncludes  the  business,  but  commonly  answers  no  furthei 
purpose  than  being  a  publication  of  the  animal's  infirmity,  and  a 
warning  to  practitioners  as  regards  the  previous  treatment." 

The  remedies  and  means  used  by  the  author  of  this  work  for 
the  treatment  of  spavin  are  the  same  as  recommended  for  ring- 
bone.    (See  article  on  Eing-bone.) 

Fracture  of  the  Pelvis  ("Hip  Shot,"  or  "Pinhipped"). 

My  attention  having  lately  been  called  to  two  cases  of  fractured 
pelvis,  I  am  led  to  make  the  following  remarks  for  the  benefit  of 
those  who  feel  an  interest  in  matters  pertaining  to  veterinary  sci- 
ence. The  accident  of  fracture  of  the  pelvis  is  of  very  common 
occurrence,  and  I  think  that  many  such  cases  might  be  prevented 
by  the  exercise  of  a  little  judgment  on  the  part  of  horse-owners. 
For  example,  the  great  majority  of  cases  with  which  I  am  ac- 
quainted have  occurred  in  the  stable,  after  the  animals  have  been 
put  up  for  the  night  "all  well,"  as  the  owners  have  informed  me, 
and  to  them  the  matter  seemed  very  mysterious  and  unaccounta- 
ble.    But  I  think  that  the  mystery  can  easily  be  explained. 

If  a  horse  is  put  up  for  the  night  all  well  and  free  from  lame- 
ness, and  in  the  morning  is  lame,  and  it  is  observed  that  the  hip 
is  knuckled  down,  as  the  saying  is,  (fracture  of  the  pelvis,)  or,  in 
other  words,  he  is  "  hip-shot,"  the  evidence  then  seems  conclusive 
that  the  accident  occurred  within  the  stable.  Then  the  question 
arises,  How  did  it  occur?  We  all  ought  to  know  that  the  stalls 
in  our  city  stables  are  too  narrow;  many  of  them  do  not  exceed 
four  feet  in  breadth.  Now,  let  a  large  horse  throw  himself  vio- 
lently down,  as  they  often  do  when  tired  or  in  pain,  and  he  ia 
very  apt  to  strike  the  point  of  the  hip  against  one  side  of  the  sta- 
ble. The  point  of  the  hip  being  but  imperfectly  protected  from 
external  or  lateral  injury,  except  by  the  common  'nteguu  'iut,  tb* 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  377 

Jar  or  concu-ssion  thus  received  often  occasions  fracture.  I  know 
that  this  is  the  case ;  for,  on  making  examination  of  some  of  these 
fractures,  I  found  the  skin  over  the  region  of  the  point  of  the  hip 
bruised  and  abraded.  Then,  again,  horses  frequently  get  cast  at 
nigl  t,  and  are  the  subjects  of  colic,  or  other  aches  or  pains.  They 
struggle  violently,  get  imprisoned,  as  it  were,  in  their  narrow* 
aj>artments,  and,  when  released  by  assistance,  fracture  of  the  pel  via 
is  often  discovered. 

This  is  not  all.  Sometimes  sufficient  bedding  is  not  furnished 
to  protect  the  animal  from  the  effects  of  hurriedly  reclining,  or 
slipping  down,  on  a  hard  plank  floor,  and  the  result  is  often  the 
same  as  that  just  alluded  to.  Then,  in  view  of  prevention,  these 
fiicts  suggest  the  propriety  of  having  wider  stalls,  and  a  liberal 
supply  of  shavings  or  sawdust  for  bedding ;  that  is,  when  straw 
can  not  be  obtained ;  yet  I  think  that  when  sawdust  can  be  ob- 
tained, it  is  the  most  wholesome  and  economical  bedding  for 
horses.  Taking  a  pathological  view  of  the  matter,  I  have  to  in- 
form the  reader  that  a  great  proportion  of  these  fractures  occur 
among  horses  well  advanced  in  years;  and  it  may  be  that  theii 
bones,  in  some  cases,  are  brittle  and  very  easily  fractured,  as  ia 
the  case  with  some  aged  members  of  the  human  family,  whose 
thigh  bones  have  been  easily  fractured  by  a  slight  fall,  or  jumping 
out  of  bed  in  a  hurry,  many  such  cases  being  on  record. 

The  horse  is  occasionally  subject  to  a  disease  of  the  bones  known 
as  fatty  degeneration,  which  is  said  to  be  partly  occasioned  by  an 
exclusive  Indian  corn  diet.  In  such  cases  the  vacuities  in  some 
of  the  bones  are  filled  with  oily  matter,  are  light,  and  easily  frac- 
tured. He  is  also  subject  to  a  disease  known  as  rickets,  which 
may  depend  either  on  hereditary  predisposition  or  imperfect  nu- 
trition. The  bones  are  defective  in  early  constituents,  and,  con- 
sequently, give  way  under  the  weight  which  they  ought  otherwise 
to  sustain.  The  remedy  is,  a  nutritive  diet,  partly  composed  of 
oats,  and  occasional  doses  of  phosphate  ol"  liuie. 

Horses  very  frequently  fracture  the  pelvis  by  falling  in  harness, 
out  for  this  I  know  of  no  remedy  except  careful  driving;  yet 
sometimes,  in  spite  of  due  care,  they  must  fall  when  traveling  on 
8lij)pery  pavements,  and  when  improperly  shod. 

Treatment. — As  regards  the  treatment  of  fracture  of  the  pelvis 
I  have  but  little  to  offer.  It  is  all  contained  in  the  words  -esl 
Mid    countor-irritation    '^^cton   or   blister),  yet  requires  tim<    ^oi 


37 .'^'  1)A1)I>S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

Nature  to  unite  the  bones  after  her  well-known  fashion.  If  the 
horse  is  a  valuable  one,  and  the  fracture  slight,  he  should  be 
placed  in  slings.  The  hair  may  then  be  shaved  oif  the  region  of 
fracture  to  the  extent  of  one  foot  in  diameter;  then  smear  on, 
while  warm,  a  strengthening  plaster,  composed  of  pitch,  resin, 
and  b'ieswax.  But  should  the  fracture  be  of  a  very  grave  char- 
acter— the  ))ones  broken  in  several  places,  the  animal  dowb  vat* 
in  great  agony — then  the  sooner  he  is  put  out  of  his  misery  iK 
bett-er, 

Splent,  or  Splint. 

Sp'ent,  or  splint,  makes  its  appearance  on  the  inner  and  lower 
part  of  the  knee-joint.  It  consists  of  a  bony  tumor  (exostosis), 
and,  finally,  the  small  bone  kno^\ll  as  the  metacarpus  purvus 
becomes  united  to  the  cannon  or  shank  oone.  This  constitutes 
anchylosis,  so  that  the  disease  is  of  the  same  nature  as  ring-bone. 
Splent  sometimes  appears  on  the  outside  of  the  leg ;  but  tlie  dis- 
ease is  oftener  found  on  the  inside,  from  the  fact  that  it  is  nearer 
the  center  of  the  weight  of  the  body  than  the  outer,  and  receives 
the  Q-reatest  amount  of  concussion  The  inner  bone  is  said  to 
receive  nearly  the  whole  weight  transmitted  to  the  small  bone  of 
the  knee.  A  splent  on  the  inside  is  often  the  result  of  a  blow 
inflicted  with  the  opposite  foot,  which  bruises  the  soft  parts  and 
periasteum,  and,  finally,  the  bones  become  affected.  Faulty  shoe- 
ing has  also  a  direct  agency  in  the  production  of  splent.  For 
example:  if  one  caulk  of  the  shoe  be  higher  than  the  other,  or 
should  the  foot  be  pared  more  on  one  side  than  the  other,  the 
effect  will  be  to  throw  the  limb  into  a  false  position,  which  may 
result  in  ligamentary  lameness  and  splent.  Splent,  however,  ap- 
pears sometimes  without  any  assignable  cause.  On  dissecting  the 
•imbs  of  aged  horses,  we  frequently  find  the  splent  bones  firmly 
nnited  to  the  shank.  The  following  is  the  opinion  of  Prof.  Cole- 
man in  regard  to  splent : 

"  '  A  splent  once  is  a  splent  always.'  The  two  bones  being  once 
united  by  ossific  matter,  this  connection,  whatever  we  may  do  or 
apply,  will  never  be  altered.  It  used  to  be  the  custom  to  remove 
the  splent  with  a  hammer  and  chisel,  but  the  production  of  t 
large  fc  lemish,  from  the  destruction  of  skin,  was  the  consequent* 
of  this  barbarous  raetho&l.  Another  practice,  as  ancient  and  bar- 
barous as  the  former,  was  the  application  of  corrosive  subliwato. 


LAMENESS.  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES. 


379 


A  PERFECT  FORE-LEG. 


'V 


A  Seton  for      I    *    s     Situation  o' 


the  Splint.    I 


Situation  of  the 
of  firiiii/  it  all 


Situation  of  the 
&  mode 


the  Sphnt. 

WuKlgall  &  method 
round  the  leg. 


Sitiwtion  of  Blood  Spavin 


Situation  of  the  Bone  Spavin  ■  ,-'    [_^  &  method  of 
firing  the  same. 


BOTTOM  OF  THE  HOOF. 


a  a  the  criis<t. 
6  b  the  sole. 


c  c  the  bars, 
o~~^  d  d  the  fro^ 


38C  DADbS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

or  other  strong  caustic,  so  as  to  occasion  a  slough.  In  this  case, 
too,  the  remedy  was  as  bad  as  the  disease ;  the  horse  was  disfigured 
for  life.  Better  and  more  recent  treatment  than  this  was  either 
firing  or  blistering.  The  objection  to  the  former,  however,  was 
the  marks  it  produced;  and  to  the  latter,  in  common  with  the 
former,  that  though  the  lameness  was  removed,  it  very  frequently 
returned  with  the  resumption  of  labor. 

The  more  modern,  successful,  and  scientific  treatment  oi  splent* 
consists  in  the  operation  of  periosteotomy,  or  division  of  the  peri 
osteuni,  which  covers  the  bone. 

Professor  Sewell  has  introduced,  within  the  few  past  years,  an 
excellent  mode  of  performing  the  operation.  The  horse  is  cast, 
the  leg  properly  straightened  and  secured,  and  then  a  small  open- 
ing is  made  just  below  the  splent  sufficient  to  introduce  a  long, 
narrow,  convex,  probe-pointed  knife,  the  edge  of  which  is  on  the 
convex  side  The  knife  is  then  })assed  up  under  the  skin,  and  by 
drawing  it  backv;ard  and  forward  on  the  splent,  pressing  firmly 
at  the  same  time,  the  periosteum  is  completely  divided.  A  small 
opening  is  then  made  through  the  skin  above  the  splent,  and  a 
narrow  seton  passed  from  one  orifice  to  the  other,  after  which  a 
bandage  is  placed  on  the  leg,  and  the  horse  released.  The  seton 
should  be  moved  and  dressed  daily  with  digestive  ointment,  and 
at  the  expiration  of  a  week  removed,  and  the  wound  permitted  to 
heal.  I  have  found  the  operation  succeed  whenever  I  have  adopted 
it.  In  the  very  numerous  cases  that  occur  of  splents  being  unat- 
tended with  lameness,  it  is  '  better  to  let  well  alone ;'  but  when 
the  lameness  is  slight,  and  the  horse  can  not  be  spared  from  work 
more  than  a  few  days,  it  is  well  to  apply  a  mild  blistering  appli- 
cation, such  as  the  tincture  of  cantharides,  about  a  tea-spoonful  of 
which  will  be  sufficient  for  one  application,  which  may  be  repeated 
according  to  the  action  it  produces  and  the  benefit  it  occasions." 

Treatmc7it. — Our  practice  in  this  country  is  to  treat  splent  on 
the  same  general  principles  that  obtain  in  spavin  and  ring-bone — 
namely,  in  the  acute  stage,  when  the  accident  of  striking  ha« 
hajjpened,  we  apply  sedatives  and  refrigerents,  and  in  the  chronic 
stage,  counter-irritants  and  absorbents.  For  the  treatment  of  the 
acute  stage,  a  selection  from  the  following  articles  may  be  made : 
Arnica,  infusion  of  hops  or  poiipies,  cold  water,  or  equal  parts  of 
vinegar  and  water.  In  the  chronic  stage,  and  in  view  of  lessen- 
ing the  tumefaction.  I  recommend  the  followiDP-* 


LAMIWESS,  FROM   VARIOUS  CAUSES.  381 

No.  60.  Powdered  iodide  of  potass 2  dr. 

Simple  Cerate 1    oz. 

Cod-liver  oil i   oz. 

Rub  these  ingredients  together  in  a  mortar,  and  when  thor^ 
oughly  mixed  it  is  fit  for  use.  A  daily  application  of  this  oint- 
raen^  for  a  short  time  will  suffice.  There  are  many  ciises  of  splent 
\hat  do  not  occasion  the  least  lameness  •  therefore  they  had  bettei 
*e  let  a!cae. 

Bowed  Legs  or  Sprung  Knees. 

The  following  case  will  illustrate  the  method  of  cure  for  sprung 
knees.  The  subject  of  this  operation  had  met  with  an  accident, 
which  resulted  in  "  bowed  limb,"  and  had  so  jirogressed  within 
the  period  of  a  few  months  as  to  render  the  limb  the  most  de- 
formed one  I  ever  saw ;  for  when  the  toe  touched  the  ground,  the 
heel  was  elevated  about  four  inches.  At  the  same  time,  the  infe- 
rior extremity  of  the  cannon  overlapped  the  large  pastern  some- 
thing like  three-quarters  of  an  inch.  Such  a  deviation  from  the 
perpendicular  line  would,  as  a  matter  of  course,  bring  a  tremendoub 
strain  on  the  extensor  tendons  in  front  and  the  suspensory  liga- 
ment, and  this  appeared  to  be  the  ca.se;  for  tlie  tendons  sud  liga- 
ment were  rigid  as  a  bowstring. 

The  horse  was  cast  on  the  off  side,  and,  after  securing  the  limbs, 
the  near  fore  one  was  released  from  the  hobble  and  held  by  assist- 
ants. A  puncture  in  the  outer  lateral  region  of  the  flexor  tendons 
v^as  made  through  the  integument.  A  convex,  probe-pointed 
blst(nn'y  was  then  introduced,  and,  by  a  gentle  sawing  movement; 
tiie  flexors  perforatus  and  perforans  were  divided.  On  straight- 
ening the  limb,  which  was  done  without  the  least  difficulty,  the 
edges  of  the  tendons  had  se])arated  almost  two  inches.  These 
\»ould,  of  course,  after  awhile,  become  reunited  by  granulation  and 
h)*erstitial  dejiosits.  Thus  tendons  would,  finally,  gain  in  lengtJ 
something  less  than  two  inches,  which  would  render  the  leg  al- 
most straight  again.  The  puncture  through  the  skin  being  small, 
a  single  suture  sufficed  to  close  the  orifice.  This  being  accom- 
plished, a  cold-water  bandage  was  neatly  applied,  and  then  the 
patient  was  permitted  to  rise.  Ke  walked  to  the  stable  tolerably 
well,  yci  still  had  a  slight  **  knuckling  over"  at  the  fetlock.  Thia 
waa  probably  owing  to  the  distended  or  lax  state  of  the  capsular 
ligament  and  extensor  tendon.     A  shoe  was  now  api)lied  to  the 


■38it  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

foot,  iiaving  a  straight  piece  of  iron,  eight  inches  in  length,  welded 
on  to  the  ground  surface  of  the  toe  of  the  shoe.  The  ol  ject  ir 
applying  this  contrivance  was  to  prevent  flexion,  to  keep  "-he  di- 
vided ends  of  the  tendon  apart,  and  to  guard  against  direct  unicD 
of  the  same.     The  operation  finally  proved  successful. 

The  following  case  occurred  in  the  practice  of  Professor  Brachet, 
1^  given  in  the  "  Veterinary  Record  : " 

"  This  most  extraordinary  case  was  observed  in  September,  1856, 
three  months  after  the  inundation  of  the  Rhone,  on  a  farm  near 
this  river.  The  subject  of  the  disease  was  a  filly,  three  montha 
old.  She  was  born  perfectly  straight  on  her  legs,  but  about  fifteen 
days  after  birth  the  fore-limbs  became  bent,  and  the  deformity 
increased  so  rapidly  that  when  Brachet  saw  the  animal  it  moved 
on  its  knees.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that,  by  efforts  to  extend 
the  limb,  the  acute  angle  formed  at  the  knee  could  at  all  be 
widened,  and  such  an  experiment  gave  great  pain  to  the  animal. 
The  dam  being  taken  out  of  the  stable,  Brachet  was  astonished 
to  see  the  filly  walking  after  her  on  her  knees,  almost  as  fast  as  if 
progressing  naturally.  On  the  front  of  the  knee  the  skin  was  hard 
and  callous,  the  tendons  behind  it  were  rigid  and  immovable,  and 
Brachet  decided  on  performing  tenotomy.  The  animal  was  cast 
and  the  near  fore-leg  operated  upon.  An  incision  was  made,  about 
an  inch  in  length,  at  the  back  of  the  arm,  in  a  line  with  the  upper 
part  of  the  carpus ;  the  tendon  of  the  flexor  metacarpi  externua 
was  first  cut,  then  one  of  the  medius,  and,  lastly,  that  of  the  inter- 
nal flexor  of  the  metacarpus,  when  the  limb  straightened.  A 
splint  was  placed  in  front  of  the  leg.  Eight  days  afterward  the 
off  limb  was  operated  upon  ;  fifteen  days  later  the  splints  were 
removed,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  mouth,  the  filly  stood  well,  but  in 
moving  carried  her  fore-legs  forward  in  a  piece.  Flexion  at  the 
knee  could  not  be  effected,  but  the  young  animal  improved  rapidly ; 
the  limbs  became  strong,  and  though  slightly  bowed,  their  action 
was  perfect.  Brachet  believe  the  deformity  arose  from  rheuma- 
tism, induced  by  the  damp  on  the  occasiim  of  the  overflowing  of 
the  river  near  the  farm." 

The  following  is  Mr.  Peeciv all's  method  of  performing  te- 
notomy foi  sprung  knees: 

"  The  operation  of  tenotomy,  though  a  formidable  one  for  the 
patient,  is  not  a  difficult  one  for  the  operator.  The  object  is  seo- 
tion  of  the  flexor  tendons,  the  effect  of  which,  as  we  have  seeUj  is  te 


LAMENESS,  FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  383 

let  down  the  heel  of  the  foot,  not  the  fetlock,  to  the  ground.  The 
flexor  tendons  support  the  pastern  and  foot-joints  principally,  the 
fetlock  joint  having  the  additional  strong  support  of  the  suspen- 
sory ligament,  which  it  still  retains  after  the  tendons  have  been 
cut  through.  This  accounts  for  the  heel  of  the  foot,  without  the 
ifetlock,  being  let  down  by  the  operation  of  tenotomy. 

Having  caot  the  horse,  and  so  secured  the  limb  to  be  operated 
a  that  there  is  not  much  chance  of  any  interruption  being  occa- 
tfioned  through  its  motion,  I  recommend  that  a  longitudinal  in- 
cision, three  or  four  inches  in  length,  be  made  through  the  skin, 
along  the  back  of  the  leg,  down  upon  the  middle  portion  of  tho 
flexor  perforatus  tendon.  This  incision  freely  and  boldly  made  al 
once,  the  operator  will  be  able  to  stretch  the  mouth  of  the  wound 
he  has  made  round  to  the  inner  side  of  the  leg,  in  which  stretched 
position  the  skin  is  to  be  held  by  an  assistant,  while  the  operator 
introduces  the  fore-finger  of  his  left  hand,  to  push  back  the  blood- 
vedsels  and  nerve  (which  run  along  the  inner  borders  of  the  ten- 
dons) against  the  suspensory  ligament,  so  that  they  be  safe  out  of 
the  way,  wdiile  with  the  right  hand  he  insinuates  his  bistoury 
between  them  and  the  flexor  tendons.  Opposing  now  the  cutting 
edge  of  the  bistoury  to  the  tendons  themselves,  he  commences 
incising  them  by  a  steady  but  firm  and  strong  sawing  movement, 
until  both  be  completely  divided.  I  say  he  is  to  hold  the  bistoury 
(wLifh  ought  to  be  a  stout  one)  firmly,  and  to  use  it  with  some 
force,  Lince  such  is  the  dense  and  tough  texture  of  these  tendons 
that  thff  ire  not  cut  completely  through  without  some  determi- 
nation. Complete  division  being  made  of  them,  the  heel  of  the 
foot  may  not  (in  all  probability  v;ill  not)  come  down  without 
some  extension  of  the  leg ;  and  this  must  be  made,  not  by  such 
violence  as  Mr.  Goodenough  found  himself  compelled  to  use,  still 
with  such  force  as  will,  if  possible,  make  the  limb  straight,  by 
Btret<^hing  or  even  tearing  through  adhesions  of  moderate  stand- 
ing, so  far  as  this  can  be  efiected  without  the  risk  of  ruptunng 
ligament  or  fracturing  bone.  The  giving  way  of  adhesions,  in 
Buch  cases,  is  frequently  attended  with  a  sort  of  snap  or  jerk,  »le- 
notive  of  their  being  overcome,  a  ad  by  this  the  end  is  known  to 
be  answ^i*^,  such  adhesions  and  impediments  to  extension  being 
oommoniy  situate  about  or  in  the  vicinity  of  the  fetlock-joiut. 
rhe  usual  and  most  efiective  mode  of  accomplishing  the  extension 
is,  to  place  the  kneo  against  the  front  of  the  ^etlock,  and,  graspiuf 


J84  UAUUS   VETEUINAKY    MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

the  back  of  the  foot  with  one  uaiitl,  aud  the  upper  end  of  the  leg 
with  the  other,  to  use  such  steady  aud  moderate  force  as  will  ao- 
csomplish  the  object  without  doiug  harm  thereby.  This  done,  the 
divided  ends  of  the  teudous  recede  from  eajh  other,  leaving  a  gap 
between  them  of  one  or  two  inches,  or  even  more,  dependent  upon 
circumstances." 

Coins. 

Wliat  is  known  as  corns,  occurring  in  horses,  is  /ery  dififerent 
from  that  affection  in  the  human  subject,  which  bears  the  same 
name.  In  the  horse  the  aifection  is  caused  by  bruise  of  the  sole, 
and  consists  of  extravasation  of  blood.  On  making  an  examina- 
iion  in  the  angle  between  the  bars  and  quarters,  the  horn  of  the 
Bole  will  appear  red.  This  may  not  be  seen,  however,  until  the 
blacksmith  has  pared  awa}  a  flake  or  two  of  the  sole. 

Treatment. — Neglected  corns  are  very  apt  to  end  in  suppuration 
(formation  of  matter  within  the  hoof).  This  matter  sometimes 
burrows  in  an  upward  direction,  and  breaks  out  at  the  top  of  the 
hoof.  It  then  forms  what  is  known  as  a  quittor,  the  remedy  for 
which  is  to  make  a  small  opening  into  the  sole,  and  thus  allow 
the  matter  to  escape  in  a  downward  direction.  After  making  the 
orifi.-'e  in  the  solf^,  it  should  be  dressed  with  a  paste  comj)osed  of 
equal  parts  of  sugar  and  brown  soap.  As  a  dressing  for  common 
corn,  A\  ifhout  suppuration,  I  recommend  equal  parts  of  tar  and 
olive  oil.  This  I  conceive  to  be  one  of  the  best  dressings  ever 
used  for  corns. 

Many  corns  are  produced  by  suffering  the  shoe  to  remain  on  toe 
long.  It  thus  becomes  imbedded  in  the  heel  of  the  foot ;  the  ex- 
terual  crust  then  grows  down  on  the  outside  of  the  shoe,  and  the 
bearing  is  thrown  in  the  angular  portion  of  the  sole.  In  unusually 
troublesome  cases  of  corns,  recourse  should  be  had  to  the  bar-shoe. 

YouATT  says :  "  Mr.  Spooner,  of  Southampton,  very  properly 
states  t.iat  the  corns  occasionally  fester,  and  the  purulent  matter 
which  iii  secreted,  having  no  dependent  orifice,  ascends,  torturing 
the  animal  to  a  dreadful  extent,  and  breaks  out  at  the  coronet. 
These  cases  are  very  troublesome.  Sinuses  are  formed,  and  the 
evil  may  end  in  quittor.  A  large  and  free  dependent  orifice  must 
then  be  made,  and  a  poultice  applied,  to  which  should  succeed  a 
solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  with  the  application  of  the  compound 
tar  ointment. 


LAMENESS,   FROM  VARIOUS  CAUSES.  S86 

The  cause  of  corn  is  a  most  important  subject  of  inquiry,  and 
which  a  careful  examination  of  the  foot  and  the  shoe  will  easily 
discover.  The  cause  being  ascertained,  the  effect  may,  to  a  gi'eal 
extent,  be  afterward  removed.  Turning  out  to  grass,  after  the 
horn  is  a  little  grown,  first  with  the  bar-shoe  and  afterward  with 
the  shoe  fettered  on  one  side,  or  with  tips,  will  often  be  service- 
able. A  horse  that  has  once  had  corns  to  any  considerable  extent 
•hould,  at  every  shoeing,  have  the  seat  of  corn  well  pared  out,  and 
the  butter  of  antimony  applied.  The  seated  shoe  should  be  used. 
with  a  web  sufficiently  thick  to  cover  the  place  of  corn,  and  extend- 
ing as  far  back  as  it  can  be  made  to  do  without  injury  to  the  frog. 

Low,  weak  heels  should  be  rarely  touched  with  the  knife,  or 
any  thing  more  be  done  to  them  than  lightly  to  rasp  them,  in 
order  to  give  them  a  level  surface.  The  inner  heel  should  bo 
particularly  spared.  Corns  are  seldom  found  in  the  hind  feet, 
because  the  heels  are  stronger,  and  the  feet  are  not  exposed  to  sc 
much  concussion ;  and  when  they  are  found  there,  they  are  rarely 
or  never  productive  of  lameness.  There  is  notliing  perhaps  in 
which  the  improvement  in  the  veterinary  art  has  relieved  the 
horse  from  so  much  suffering  as  shoeing.  Where  corns  now  exist 
of  any  consequence,  they  are  a  disgrace  to  the  smith,  the  groom, 
und  even  to  the  owner." 

Lameners. 

We  have  already  considered  the  nature  and  treatment  of  vari- 
ous forms  of  lameness,  occurring  in  consequence  of  strain  or  sprain 
of  different  parts  of  the  body ;  also  that  attending  rheumatism  and 
diseases  of  the  feet.  It  only  remains  to  offer  a  few  remarks  on 
some  special  forms  of  lameness.  Lameness  occurs  in  one  of  two 
forms.  We  either  find  it  in  the  acute  stage,  when,  from  injury 
or  other  causes,  it  comes  on  suddenly ;  or  else  in  the  chronic  stage, 
tbat  form  which  has  existed  for  some  time.  Therefore,  there  being 
only  two  forms  of  lameness,  there  are  only  two  indications  to  fulfill, 
namely :  in  the  acute  stage,  we  endeavor  to  lessen  the  activity  in 
the  circulation,  heat,  and  pain  of  the  parts  by  rest  and  cold-water 
bathing;  and  when  pain  exists,  we  mitigate  it  by  bathing  the  af- 
fected partj  with  cold  infusion  of  hops  or  poppy-heads.  ^^  hen 
the  affection  assumes  a  chronic  type,  we  apply  stimulants  and 
Bounter-irrilants.  The  following  is  the  best  remedy  in  use : 
25 


386 


DADDS  VETERINARY  MEmClNE  AND  SURGERT. 


No.  61.  Aqua  ammonia 3^  og. 

Spirits  of  camphor 3     oa. 

Salt  (bay  or  rock  salt) 8     oz 

Water 2     pints. 

Dissolve  the  salt  in  ths  water,  with  a  few  drops  of  aqua  anft^ 
monia;  allow  the  impurities  to  settle,  and  add  the  clear  liquor  to 
the  camphor  and  ammonia,  the  latter  having  been  previously 
mixed.  A  portion  of  this  should  be  rubbed  on  the  region  of 
lameness  morning  and  evening.  Sometimes  the  actual  seat  of 
lameness  may  be  somewhat  obscure,  yet  we  can  generally  find  out 
which  limb  it  is  in ;  then,  to  make  sure  that  we  shall  hit  the  mark, 
the  whole  limb  may  be  treated.  Should  counter-irritation  be  nec- 
essary, strong  liniments  and  blisters,  such  is  are  in  general  use, 
Kte  recommended. 


€ 


This  plate  represents  the  fore  extremity,  cut  off  %  Utile  aboT*  the 
condyles  of  the  humeruB,  with  the  flexor  metikcarpi  bat»raaa 
medius  and  the  ulnaris  accesBoriUB  musolea  r«ino»<»^ 

A,  The  origin  of  the  ulnaris  accesso-^us  masole. 

B,  The  flexor  metacarpi  intemu" 

C,  The  flexor  metacarpi  medius. 
F,  The  radial  nerve. 

6,  The  radial  artery. 

H,  The  radial  vein. 

I,    The  superior  suspensory  ligameut,  or  bond. 

J,  The  tendon  of  the  flexor  metacarpi  intemns  moMle. 

K,  The  cut  ed^e  of  the  posterior  annular  ligament  tomsd  Ntcb. 

L,  The  inferior  suspensory  band. 

M,  Oblique  branch  of  nerve  crossing  the  perforatoa  t«nd<m. 

N,  The  perforatus  tendon. 

Oi  The  perforans  tendon. 

P,   The  inner  metacarpal  nerve. 

Q,  Metacarpal  artery. 

R,  Suspensory  ligament. 

8,   The  metacarpal  vein. 

T,  One  of  the  lumbrici  muscles. 

U,  Cut  edge  of  the  thin,  dense  membrane  which  faivests  the  perfcrant 

from  a  little  above  the  front  of  the  fetlock  downward. 
V,  The  pprforatus  tendon. 
W,  A  portion  of  the  tend  n  hned  internally  with  synovial  membnM^ 

removed,  to  expose  the  perfbrane  as  it  passes  through  the  W 

ftircation  of  the  perforatus . 


SECTION  XIII. 

HORSE    MANAGEMENT,    ETC. 

Pbolapscs  Ani — Hemorrhoids,  or  Piles — Pricking  and  Nicking  Horses  Tatu 
— Docking  Horses — Anemia — The  Use  and  Abuse  of  the  Curry-comb — 
Horses  and  Cattle  should  have  a  supply  of  Pure  Water — Galled  Back 
— The  Heart — The  quantity  of  Blood  contained  in  a  Horse's  Body — 
Rapidity  of  the  Circulation — The  transfusion  op  Blood — MANAOEHEm 
OF  THE  Horses  put  in  the  Stable — Strangles. 

Prolapsus  Ani  (Falling  op  the  Fundament  or  Rectum) 

PROLAPSUS  AXI,  or  protrusion  of  the  rectum,  is  a  calamity 
much  to  be  dreaded.  Fortunately  it  ver)'^  rarely  occurs,  yet 
when  it  does,  a  valuable  horse  is  almost  sure  to  be  the  subject; 
hence  it  is  a  matter  of  importance  that  persons  who  own  valu- 
able horses  should  know  something  about  the  nature  and  treat- 
ment of  this  mishap.  The  best  authority  on  this  subject  is  Mr. 
Peecivall,  from  whose  works  the  following  is  quoted : 

"  It  consists  in  inversion  and  prolapse  of  the  mucous  coat  of 
the  rectum,  either  confined  to  the  nuicous  membrane  itself,  or 
otherwise  involving  more  or  less  of  the  entire  substance  of  the 
intestine  along  with  it.  The  aspect  of  the  protrusion  will  mainly 
depend  on  the  nature  and  volume  of  the  parts  ejected,  and  upon 
the  time  such  evolution  has  been  in  existence.  When  recent,  so 
readily  d^es  tumefaction  (swelling)  of  the  parts  follow  their  pro- 
trusion, that  this  speedily  opposes  all  attempts  at  return,  should 
the  animal  make  any,  though,  in  truth,  his  efforts  in  general  have 
the  effect  of  straining  more  gut  out,  and  through  his  straining,  in 
acme  cases,  tearing  the  membrane,  and  thus  augmenting  instead 
of  diminishing  the  evolution  as  well.  In  this  manner  arises  a 
large  ^^somenmes  enormous)  rotund,  red,  wrinkled  redness  of  skia, 
consisting  of  cylinders  of  mucous  membrane,  having  an  apertur« 

r387» 


588  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  A>U  SLllGrtl. 

closed  through  constriction  in  its  centre,  though,  when  open,  iflsri' 
ing  a  mucous  and  sanious  matter,  especially  at  such  time  as  the 
animal  is  straining  afresh.  The  circumflex  action  of  the  sphincter 
ani  around  the  neck  of  the  swelling,  together  with  its  distension 
with  gas,  and  the  action  of  the  air  upon  its  surface,  all  add  to  it* 
increase  of  volume  and  change  of  color ;  while  the  straining,  ai  th^ 
same  time  increases  the  difficulty  of  any  effort  the  practitionei 
may  makf  toward  effecting  a  return  of  the  protruded  gut.  With 
its  augipontation  of  volume  comes  a  deepening  redness,  turning, 
througb  the  constriction  of  the  sphincter,  to  a  darker,  and  even 
purple  hue,  the  membrane  becoming,  at  the  same  time,  inflated 
and  swollen,  and  gradually  changing  its  color  from  red  to  yellow 
and  to  brown,  though  still  having  a  humid  shining  aspect,  now 
becoming  glairy  from  albuminous  secretion,  which  is  not  only 
mucous,  but  at  times  purulent. 

Causes. — These  may  be  summed  up  in  irritation,  either  direcl 
or  sympathetic,  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  anus  and 
rectum.  It  is  possible  that  prolonged  constipation,  from  giving 
rise  to  violent  straining  efibrts  at  expulsion  of  dry  and  hardened 
feces,  might  bring  it  on,  or  even  the  strains  of  parturition.  The 
action  produced  by  excessive  purgation  may  cause  it,  but  more 
especially  irritation  of  a  mechanical  kind,  arising  from  direct  in- 
jury to  the  membrane  or  rectum  during  the  operation  of  raking 
or  manual  exploration  of  the  gut,  or  of  clystering.  It  may  prove 
an  accompaniment  of  an  enteritic,  colicky,  or  diarrheal  condition 
of  bowel.  It  is  possible  it  may  ensue  on  nicking,  though  I  never 
knew  it  to  follow  that  operation.  Violent  struggles  of  any  kmd^ 
as  in  such  a  case  as  is  mentioned  in  the  '  Veterinarian,'  by  Mr.  J. 
"Brown,  V.  S.,  London,  wherein  the  horse  '  had  forced  out  nearly 
a  foot  of  the  rectum  in  struggling  violently  to  release  himself, 
while  being  cast. 

Treatme7d. — The  formidable,  and  indeed  awful,  aspect  of  thi^ 
disease  is  apt  to  operate  in  the  mind  of  the  owner  of  the  animal 
favorably  for  the  veterinary  surgeon,  inasmuch  as  it  gives  rise  to 
his  being  called  to  the  case  sooner  than  he  otherwise  would  have 
been.  Should  the  summons  be  an  early  one,  at  the  time  that 
the  protrusion  is  recent,  and  its  volume  nothing  so  very  alarming, 
judicious  exercise  of  the  taxis,  if  employed  at  the  moment,  may 
iucceed  in  the  return  of  the  gut.  Distributing  the  fingers  of  both 
hau'is  over  the   wrinkled  and  swollen  body  of  the  protrusion 


HORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  389 

steady,  firm,  and  forcible  pressure  ouglit  to  be  maintained  against 
it  for  such  length  of  time  as  appears  to  afford  any  chance  of  suc- 
cess, augmenting  the  force  used  whenever  there  be  any  remission 
of  the  straining.     Should  the  first  efforts  of  this  description  fail, 
the  protruded  mass  may  have  its  bulk  lessened  and  constricted  ai 
much  as  possible  by  local  application  of  some  sort,  than  which 
none  offers  a  better  chance  of  succeeding  than  such  as  follows 
from  sudden  and  intense  cold,  though  to  a  part  so  sensitive  and 
vascular  the  practice  is  not  devoid  of  danger.     Ice  may  be  pow- 
dered and  inclosed  in  a  linen  bag,  so  as  to  form  a  sort  of  bolster, 
that  may  be  held  or  braced  with  firmness  upon  the  tumefaction. 
The  contrary  of  sucn  treatment  as  this,  however,  though  the  ob- 
ject be  the   same,  is  generally  preferred — namely,  fomentation, 
medicated  or  not,  with  scarification  of  the  exposed  membrane — 
though  in  other  cases  astringent  applications  are  employed,  with 
a  view  of  causing  contraction  and  diminution  of  the  mass,  such  as 
lime-water,  decoction  of  oak  bark,  solution  of  alum,  etc. ;  and 
while  such  proceedings  are  going  on,  it  is  advisable  to  have  the 
hind  parts  raised.     Supposing  we  succeed  in  accomplishing  the 
reduction,  the  chances  are  in  favor  of  the  relapse  of  the  prolapsus, 
and  these  chances  seem  great  in  proportion  to  the  facility  with 
which  the  return  of  the  inverted  gut  has  been  effected.     Indeed, 
!0  constant  and  troublesome  does  the  return  in  some  of  these  cases 
become,  tliat  it  is  necessary  to  contrive  some  sort  of  truss  to  op- 
pose the  descent,  the  same  as  is  done  for  rupture  in  man.     Mr. 
Dycer's  truss  consisted  of  '  a  new  wet  chamois  leather,  a  breast- 
plate, and  a  hip  (human)  truss.'     Should  constipation  be  thought 
to  operate  against  reduction,  in  addition  to  clysters,  we  may  ex- 
hibit cathartics  and  aloes  in  solution,  and  should  there  be  plethora 
and  great  irritability  in  the  membrane  of  the  rectum  and  anus,  a 
blood-letting  will  be  advisable,  while  an  opiate  or  belladonna  clys- 
ter will  be  advantageously  administered,  in  order  to  allay  all  local 
irritation  as  much  as  possible. 

As  a  dernier  and  effective  mode  of  procedure  in  prolapsus 
ani,  when  the  case  proves  either  irreducible,  or,  after  return,  con- 
tinually ])rotrudes  on  any  slight  etVort,  such  as  coughing  afresh, 
we  have  recourse,  with  safety  and  certainty,  to  an  operatic n  con- 
sisting in  excision  of  more  or  less  of  the  inverted  membrane  en- 
veloping the  protruding  portion  of  the  gut.  This  is  an  operation 
of  ancient  date,  though  to  Dupuytroa  is  ascribed  the  credit  o^ 


1^90  UADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

introducing  it  into  human  practice,  and  to  the  French  velerinariana 
that  of  transplanting  the  same  into  veterinary  practice.  For- 
merly the  actual  cautery  was  the  instrument  employed  for  the 
removal  of  the  parts  obstructing  reduction ;  but  in  our  own  day 
this  has  been  thrown  aside  for  the  scalpel,  an  instrument  quite  aa 
eft'ec'ive,  while  the  simple  act  of  cutting  with  a  knife  gives  so 
much  less  pain  than  cutting  or  dividing  with  the  actual  cautery. 
In  general,  it  is  considered  necessary  to  cast  the  horse  for  the  ope- 
ration ;  but  ISIr.  Gregory,  V.  S.,  did  not  cast  his  patient,  but 
merely  put  on  a  side-line,  and  had  one  leg  held  up  and  the  tail 
kept  on  one  side;  and,  most  assuredly,  the  standing  position  of 
the  patient  is  one  which,  in  such  an  operation,  offers  no  mean 
advantages  to  the  operator,  provided  he  can  avail  himself  of  it 
without  any  personal  danger.  A  great  preservation  against  re- 
fractoriness in  an  operation  of  the  kind,  at  the  moment  when  any 
pain  is  felt,  is  a  twitch,  well  put  on,  and  well  and  timely  turned. 
The  horse  secured,  with  his  tail  turned  out  of  the  way,  an  incision, 
forming  a  circle,  is  to  be  carried  around  the  protruding  mass,  at 
sufficient  distance  from  the  constricted  part  of  the  neck  of  the 
protrusion  to  leave  behind  it  such  parts  as  are  distended  from 
tumefaction  or  infiltration,  whose  removal  will  render  the  retrac- 
tion of  the  gut  an  easy  and  natural  effort.  In  making  incision, 
it  may  be  advisable  to  take  up  and  tie  with  a  silk  ligature  any 
vessel  met  with  of  size  enough  to  issue  a  current  of  blood,  though 
eometimes  no  such  precaution  is  required.  In  the  case  mentioned 
}y  Mr.  Gregory,  not  more  than  a  quart  of  blood  was  lost.  The 
•Qcision  ought  to  be  made  of  sufficient  depth  to  penetrate  coci- 
pletely  through  the  substance  of  the  mucous  membrane,  howeviir 
morbidly  thickened  that  may  be,  without,  however,  running  a 
risk  of  wounding  the  muscular  coat  beneath  it,  the  object  being 
to  dissect  the  former  away  and  strip  it  off  the  latter,  so  as  to  lessen 
the  bulk  of  the  mass  to  that  degree  that  return  ))ecomes  a  volun- 
tary and  facile  action  of  the  animal  himself.  So  soon,  however 
as  this  denudation  has  been  carried  near  to  the  inverted  anus^. 
care  must  be  taken  not  to  dissect  or  otherwise  injure  the  sphincter 
of  that  part,  lest  we  leave  the  horse  with  an  imperfection  in  closing 
an  outlet  of  so  important  a  function.  A  soft  or  mash  diet  should, 
for  a  few  weeks,  succeed  the  operation,  with  abstinence  from  hay, 
which,  from  its  fibrous,  prickly  nature,  must  be  particularly  offen- 
•ive  to  the  denuded  gut.     Occasional  emollient  clvsters  are  also 


HORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  391 

recommendable,  especially  when  there  appears  any  pain  or  Jiffi- 
cnlty  iu  giving  exit  to  the  feces." 


Hemorrhoids,  or  Piles  in  the  Horse. 

The  following  case  of  piles,  occurring  in  the  practice  of  Mr 
P,  "Wals,  V.  S.,  is  here  introduced  from  the  "  Veternarian : " 

"On  the  evening  of  March  13,  1851,  I  was  summoned  hastily 
to  attend  a  brown  carriage-mare,  belonging  to  an  employer  about 
a  mile  distant  from  Norwich,  which  was  reported  to  have  some- 
thing '  bloody '  hanging  out  of  her  rectum.  The  coachman  who 
came  said  it  had  made  its  appearance  two  or  three  times  during 
the  day  after  dunging,  but  had  always  returned  again,  until  just 
before  he  left  home,  when  a  portion  of  it  was  left  out,  and  the 
mare  became  very  uneasy.  On  my  arrival,  I  found,  as  reported, 
the  mare  in  pain,  indicated  by  a  peculiar  switching  or  lashing  of 
the  tail,  and  stamping  of  the  hind  feet;  but  she  had  not  lain 
down,  although  she  made  several  attempts  to  do  so.  It  first  struck 
me  as  a  case  of  prolapsus  ani,  but,  on  examination,  it  proved  to  be 
a  true  case  of  piles.  The  tumor  protruding  was  about  the  size  of 
a  duck's  egg,  presenting  pieciaeiy  the  appearance  of  a  pilous  graj)e 
in  the  human  subject,  only,  of  course,  much  larger.  I  had  some 
difficulty  in  returning  it,  in  consequence  of  the  powerful  action 
of  the  sphinoier  ani,  which,  no  doubt,  accounted  for  the  pain;  but, 
having  accomplished  it,  the  mare  became  easy,  and  continued  so 
for  some  little  time.  I  thought  it  right,  however,  to  have  her 
removea  to  my  infirmary,  as  I  anticipated  a  return  of  the  tumor 
when  she  again  dunged,  in  which  I  was  not  deceived,  since,  on  her 
arrival  at  my  stable,  I  found  it  out  again.  On  making  a  more 
minute  examination,  I  discovered  smaller  tumors  round  and  about 
the  larger  one,  the  latter,  however,  being  the  only  one  that  i)ro- 
truded.  The  mare  being  naturally  of  an  irritable  temperament^ 
«nd  consequently  dunging  more  frequently  tlian  one  less  so  would 
have  done,  induced  me  to  have  a  careful  assistant  remain  up  with 
hjr  during  the  night,  for  the  purpose  of  returning  the  tumor 
wl  ?never  it  made  its  reappearance,  which  it  invariably  was  said 
to  do  after  each  evacuation,  jxiin  being  constantly  present  at  such 
time. 

Reflecting  on  the  case  next  morning,  and  o')ScrsM*ng  consider- 
%bh-   mischief  was  being  done  by  the  necessary  manipulation.  I 


39ti  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

foresaw  1  should  have  a  very  tioublesome  case,  unless  I  could  hit 
upon  some  plan  of  dilating  the  sphincter  so  as  to  allow  of  a  return 
of  the  tumor  without  so  much  handling  of  it.  This  I  accom- 
plished in  the  following  manner:  I  had  the  mare  placed  in  a  nar- 
row stall,  the  back  j)art  of  which  was  well  bedded  with  litter,  so 
tbnt,  in  stan<ling,  her  hind  quarters  were  elevated  six  or  eigin 
in'-lu'-^  higher  than  the  fore  ones.  I  then  procured  a  pan*  of  glove- 
sticks,  sucii  as  glovers  use  for  opening  the  fingers  of  gloves,  and, 
ha\  ing  dipped  their  ends  in  oil,  gently  introduced  them  about  an 
inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  into  the  rectum,  underneath  the  tumor, 
letting  it,  in  fact,  rest  upon  them.  In  this  way,  by  pressing  the 
handles,  dilatation  took  place,  and  the  tumor  receded  with  little  or 
no  difficulty.  This  treatment  I  persevered  in  for  four  days,  in 
conjunction  with  a  constant  application  of  cold  water  to  the  parts, 
at  the  end  of  which  time  such  great  improvement  had  taken  place 
that  the  use  of  the  sticks  became  no  longer  necessary.  In  four 
days  more  the  parts  appeared  to  have  become  quite  reinstated, 
which,  of  course,  rendered  any  further  treatment  unnecessary.  I 
gave  no  medicine,  except  a  very  mild  aperient  in  the  first  instance, 
but  kept  the  bowels  lax  with  bran,  linseed,  carrots,  etc.  The  mare 
being  sold  shortly  afterward,  I  lost  sight  of  her,  and  am  unable  to 
say,  in  consequence,  whether  any  return  of  the  difficulty  has  taken 
pkce,  but  I  should  think  such  an  occurrence  not  improbabl** " 

Pricking  ob  Nicking  Horses'  Tails. 

The  English  mel-iiod  of  nicking  horses  is,  instead  of  inserting  a 
knife  and  making  a  subcutaneous  section  of  the  muscles  of  the 
tail,  known  as  the  depressors,  to  make  three  straight  incisions  at 
equal  distances  right  across  the  tail.  By  this  method  the  musclea 
of  the  tail  are  effectually  or  completely  divided.  The  first  incision 
is  usually  made  about  two  inches  from  the  root  of  the  tail,  and 
the  other  two  at  equal  distances  from  the  first,  in  a  direction  toward 
the  end  of  the  tail.  The  tail  is  then  kept  perpendicular,  in  the 
usual  manner,  by  pulleys.  It  is  said  that  by  this  method  a  more 
graceful  curvature  of  the  tail  is  secured,  whi-ch  I  believe  is  a  fact, 
yet  the  operation  is  any  thing  but  pleasant  to  the  horse.  It  is  ine 
of  the  fashionable  barbarisms  of  civilization. 

The  English  method  of  nicking,  although  the  most  unsightly 
and  Darbamus,  is  still  the  safest,  as  there  is  less  liability  to  lock- 


HORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  393 

^  V.  It  is  well-known  that  lock-jaw  more  frequently  eusuei 
fty)m  a  punctured  wound  than  a  clean  cut  or  incision ;  yet  when 
nicking  or  pricking,  after  the  American  fashion,  (if  care  be  taken 
to  make  the  orifice  through  the  skin  suificiently  large,  so  that  pus, 
afterward  secreted,  may  escape,)  I  think  there  is  no  danger.  The 
danger  arises  from  the  imprisonment  of  pus  by  closure  of  the 
orifice  in  the  skin.  In  healthy  subjects  the  orifice  made  through 
ihe  skin  will  often  unite  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours ;  then,  should 
morbid  matter  accumulate  within  the  substance  of  the  tail,  it  bur- 
rows, forms  an  abscess,  or  else  becomes  absorbed,  producing  lock- 
jaw. Therefore,  I  would  advise  persons  having  prickea  or  nicked 
horses  under  their  care,  to  pay  strict  attention  to  such,  and  see 
that  the  orifices  are  kept  open,  which  may  easily  be  done  by  oc- 
casionally inserting  the  point  of  a  penknife.  The  skin  should  be 
the  last  to  heal.  The  healing  process  must  be  perfected  in  the 
interior  first,  and,  lastly,  the  skin.  Should  fungus  or  ''proud 
fiesh  "  appear,  apply  powdered  bloodroot,  burnt  alum,  or  red  pre- 
cipitate. A\Tien  an  abscess  forms  at  the  base  of  the  tail  aft^ar 
pricking,  apply  a  poultice  of  flaxseed ;  and  when  the  tail  is  much 
inflamed  and  swollen,  it  should  be  bathed  frequently  with  the 
following : 

No.  62.  Acetic  acid 1  part. 

Water 7  parts. 

When  horses  are  nicked  in  warm  weather,  the  tail  should  be 
moistened  with  tincture  of  aloes ;  this  will  keep  the  flies  ofi^. 

Persons  who  are  not  experts  in  the  art  of  pricking  are  apt  to 
wound,  and  sometimes  completely  sever  the  coccygeal  arteries, 
thereby  causing  an  unnecessary  and  dangerous  hemorrhage.  In 
Buch  cases,  I  should  advise  the  operator  to  crowd  into  the  orifice 
d  small  piece  of  dry  sponge.  This  will  arrest  the  hemorrhage, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  keep  the  divided  ends  of  the  muscles  apart, 
so  that  they  can  not  reunite ;  hence  it  is  not  necessary  to  put  the 
tail  into  pulleys  for  some  hours,  or  until  bleeding  has  ceased. 
When  this  is  the  case,  the  sponge  may  be  removed  by  means  of 
a  small  pair  of  forceps. 

The  success  in  securing  what  is  denominated  a  fashionable  tail 
depends  altogether  on  the  skill  of  the  operator,  who  must  make 
a  complete  division  of  the  riuscles  beneath  the  tail  only,  as  theii 
action  is  to  compress  an''   de])ress  that  useful  appendage;  for, 


51)4  DABD'S  VETERINARY   MEDICINE  AND  SITRGERY. 

should  the  incision  be  made  too  high  on  the  side  of  the  tail,  tht 
curvators  may  be  partly  or  wholly  severed.  Then  the  tail  wi)] 
Ultimately  diverge  laterally,  or,  in  stable  language,  it  will  bb  said 
that  "  the  horse  does  not  carry  his  tail  straight."  To  remedy 
this^  (he  curvator  on  the  opposite  side  must  be  divided;  then  the 
tail  has  to  be  forcibly  drawn  and  kept  in  an  o})posite  direction 
from  the  curved  side,  so  as  to  prevent  the  muscle  from  euniting. 
In  the  cou-  se  of  a  short  time  granulations  are  thrown  out  from 
the  surface  of  the  divided  ends  of  the  muscle.  It  then  acquire* 
length,  and  thus  the  tail  becomes  straight. 

ANATOMY    OF    THE    TAIL. 

For  the  benefit  of  those  who  wish  to  practice  the  art  of  "  nick- 
ing or  pricking  "  understandingly,  I  now  propose  to  give  a  brief 
exposition  of  the  anatomy  of  the  tail. 

Bones  of' the  Tail. — The  bones  of  the  tail,  numbering  fifteen, 
sometimes  sixteen,  are  situated  at  the  back  of  the  rump-bone,  or 
sacrum.  They  are  not  a  continuation  of  the  vertebral  bones,  but 
are  an  appendage  to  the  haunch  bone.  The  bones  entire  are  termed 
coccyx  (from  the  Greek,  which  signifies  cuckoo.,  the  bill  of  which 
bird  the  appendage  to  the  sacrum,  or  haunch-bone  of  man,  is  said 
to  re})resent) ;  and,  in  order  to  prevent  confusion  in  anatomical 
terms,  veterinary  suigcons  have  applied  the  same  name  to  the  tail 
bones  of  the  horse.  Hence,  when  the  terms  coccygis  or  coccygeal 
rxe  used,  they  have  some  relation  to  the  tail.  The  bones  are 
'ouo-hened  on  their  surfaces,  and  have  depressions  and  eminences 
■or  the  insertion  of  ligaments,  tendons,  and  muscles. 

Muscles  of  the  Tail. — These  muscles  are  divisible  into  four  pairs. 
They  are  most  distinctly  seen  at  the  root  of  the  tail,  but,  .in  their 
course  toward  the  end  of  the  same,  they  become  blended  one  with 
another. 

The  first  pair  of  coccygeal  muscles  are  situated  on  the  upper 
part  of  the  tail.  They  are  attached  to  the  sacrum  and  to  the 
bones  of  the  tail.     Their  action  is  to  raise  or  erect  the  tail. 

The  second  pair  are  termed  depressors  coccyx,  and  are  situated 
at  the  under  purt  of  the  tail.  They  are  attached  to  the  under- 
neath part  of  the  sacrum,  and  to  the  same  locality  on  the  bones 
of  the  tail.  They  are  antagonistic  to  the  first  pair,  and  their  di- 
rect action  is  to  depress  the  tail.  These  are  the  muscles  Ahicb 
ehould  be  divided  in  the  process  of  pricking  or  nicking. 


UOllSE  MANAUEMENT   ETo.  395 

ITie  third  pair  are  termed  curvators  coccyx.  These  muscles  are 
situated  on  the  sides  of  the  tail,  between  the  first  and  second  pairs. 
They  are  attached  to  the  fourth  and  fifth  lumbar  vertebra,  and  to 
the  8i(les  or  transverse  processes  of  all  the  bones  of  the  tail,  j'heir 
action  is  to  curve  or  fiex  the  tail  toward  the  quarter  and  si  les,  and 
the  division  of  one  of  these  muscles  causes  permanent  fh^vnro  cvf 
the  tail  in  an  ojiposite  direction.  Considering  the  tail  as  a  lllcan^ 
of  defense  in  switching  off  Hies,  etc.,  these  muscles  arc  tiie  princii)al 
ones  called  into  action. 

The  fourth  pair  are  termed  compressors  coccyx.  They  are  lo- 
cated at  the  sides  and  root  of  the  tail,  and  are  inserted  into  the 
back  part  of  the  hip  bones  (ischium),  and  into  the  five  first  bones 
of  the  tail.  The  action  of  these  muscles  is  to  maintain  the  tail 
forcibly  against  the  anus.  In  the  mare,  these  muscles  protect  her 
from  ravishment. 

The  arteries  of  the  Tail  are  termed  coccygeal  arteries.  Those  lo- 
cated at  the  sides  are  called  lateral  coccygeal,  and  the  one  found 
in  the  lower  or  inferior  region  is  called  inferior  coccygeal. 

Nerves  of  the  Tail.— As  with  the  muscles,  so  with  the  nerves. 
There  are  four  pairs  of  coccygeal  nerves.  They  are  not  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  true  spinal  cord,  but  are  given  off  from  it.  They 
are  distributed  to  the  muscular  filaments,  to  the  skin,  and  at  the 
extremity  of  the  tail. 

Docking  Horses. 

All  persons  familiar  with  the  old  tactics  of  "  jockeyism  "  and 
the  tricks  of  horse  trade,  will  understand  what  is  meant  by  the 
above  caption.  It  is  a  most  cruel  and  barbarous  outrage  on  one 
of  Nature's  menials,  and  I  feel  inclined  to  indorse  the  senliinenta 
of  the  profound  poet  Tupper,  when  he  says,  "  In  that  groat  day, 
when  crime  is  sentenced,  cruel  man  shall  not  go  uncondcmiied 
because  no  complaining  brute  stands  there  accusing,  for  our  Fa- 
ther careth  when  a  sparrow  dies." 

Horses  should  never  be  deprived  of  any  part  of  that  vahiuble 
weapon  of  defense  known  as  the  tail.  It  is  a  part  and  i)arcel  of 
the  organization  of  the  horse,  and  to  deprive  him  of  what  Nature 
gave  him,  after  the  fashion  of  "  doing  all  things  well,"  is  an  out- 
rage which  should  be  considered  beneath  the  dignity  of  a  gentle- 
man to  perpetrate.     Besides  the  crueUy  which  is  acknowledged 


3R  DauiVS  veterinary  medicine  and  SURGERl. 

to  L>  identified  with  the  operation,  there  are  other  reasons,  on  thxt 
grounds  of  physiology,  wiiy  the  tail  should  be  left  entire,  espe- 
cially in  the  case  of  a  mare;  but,  as  the  reader  is  probably  con- 
versant with  the  facts  in  the  case,  I  shall  not  enter  into  a  discussion 
of  the  same,  but  prefer  to  introduce  the  following  paragraph) 
\?ritten  by  a  person  who  aims  at  reform : 

"  I  am  glad  that  the  abominable  practice  of  docking  and  nick- 
ing horses  is  going  out  of  fashion.  It  prevails  in  no  country  in 
the  world  besides  England  and  the  United  States.  We  got  it 
from  the  mother  country,  and  the  sooner  we  leave  it  off  the  bet- 
ter. It  is  wonderful  how  any  body  but  an  ignorant,  narrow- 
minded  blockhead  of  a  jockey  should  ever  have  thought  of  it^ 
being  as  offensive  to  good  taste  as  it  is  a  violation  of  every  hu- 
mane feeling.  Has  Nature  done  her  work  in  such  a  bungling 
manner  in  forming  that  paragon  of  animals,  the  horse,  that  a  large 
piece  of  bone  should  be  chopped  off  with  an  ax  to  reduce  him  tc 
symmetry,  or  that  beauty  and  grace  can  be  obtained  only  by  cut- 
ting a  pair  of  his  large  muscles?  'The  docking  and  nicking  of 
horses,'  says  an  intelligent  writer  on  farriery,  '  is  a  shockingly  cruel 
practice,  and  ought  to  be  abandoned  by  the  whole  race  of  mankind. 
Every  human  being,  possessed  of  feeling  and  a  magnanimous 
mind,  must  confess  that  it  is  cruel  and  entirely  uncalled  for;  but 
that  creature  called  man  attempts  thus  to  mend  the  works  of  his 
almighty,  wise  Creator,  in  doing  which  he  often  spoils  and  dis- 
figures them.  What  is  more  beautiful  than  a  fine  horse,  with  an 
elegant,  long  tail  and  a  flowing  mane  waving  in  the  sports  of  the 
wind,  and  exhibiting  itself  in  a  perfect  state  of  nature?  Besides, 
our  Creator  has  given  them  for  defense  as  well  as  beauty.'  The 
same  author  relates  an  instance  of  a  fine  hunting  horse,  owned  by 
an  Englishman,  which  would  carry  its  rider  over  the  highest  five- 
barred  gate  with  ease ;  but  he  thought  that  the  horse  did  not  carry 
aa  good  a  tail  as  he  wished:  he  therefore  had  him  nicked,  and 
when  the  horse  got  well,  he  could  scarcely  carry  over  two  bars. 
'  Thus,'  said  he,  *  I  have  spoiled  a  fine  horse ;  and  no  wonder,  foi 
it  weakened  his  loins.'  Any  man  of  common  sense  would  give 
ten  per  cent,  more  for  a  fine  horse  whose  tail  had  never  been 
mutilatf»-i,  than  for  one  which  had  been  under  the  hands  of  a 
jockey.*' 


HORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  397 


Anemia. 


This  signifies  an  impoverished  state  of  the  blood,  usnally  <ixy- 
casioned  by  want  of  nutritious  food  and  exposure  to  inclement 
weather.  I  was  called,  a  short  time  ago,  to  see  a  yearling,  said 
to  be  ailing  and  unthrifty,  and  had  been  so  for  some  time. 

Sympfotus. — The  principal  symptoms  were  as  follows:  The 
fee&d,  face,  and  eyes  were  in  a  dropsical  condition  and  much  swol- 
len ;  underneath  the  heart,  and  along  the  lower  part  of  the  abdo- 
men, dropsical  swellings  were  also  observed;  the  membranes  of 
the  mouth  and  nose  appeared  pale,  almost  bloodless ;  the  pulse  waa 
quite  slow,  and  the  action  of  the  heart  feeble;  the  respirations 
were  somewhat  hurried,  yet  the  lungs  were  not  expanded  to  their 
full  capacity.  I  was  informed  that  the  urine  was  thick,  and  of  a 
cream-like  color,  and  the  feces  hard  and  scanty.  The  muscular 
system  was  spare  and  wiry ;  the  ribs  could  be  easily  counted,  and 
the  animal  was  unsteady  on  his  legs.  From  such  symptoms  aa 
these  the  reader  will  perceive  that  the  case  was  one  of  debility. 
and  from  the  fact  that  the  animal  had  been  confined  to  an  innu 
tritious  diet,  or,  rather,  like  a  hen,  had  to  scratch  for  a  living 
It  will  also  be  inferred  that  the  debility  was  the  result  of  partial 
■rtarvation. 

Treatment. — I  gave  the  animal  one  drachm  of  sulphate  of  iron, 
and  three  ounces  of  the  fluid  extract  of  resin  weed  per  day,  dur- 
ing a  period  of  ten  days.  At  the  same  time,  he  was  liberally  fed 
on  oats  and  good  timothy  hay,  under  which  treatment  he  rapidly 
gained  in  health  and  strength,  and  soon  recovered. 

Anemia  (Thinning  of  the  Blood). 

i  do  not  advocate  that  the  curry-comb  shall  be  entirely  dis- 
pensed with  ;  for,  in  the  first  place,  it  is  needed  for  the  purpose  a* 
removing  scurf  and  dirt  which  has  been  removed  from  th?  ex 
ternal  surface  of  the  body  by  means  of  the  brush,  and,  probably 
this  was  the  intention  of  the  man  who  first  inventod  a  curry- 
comb, and,  in  the  next  place,  the  curry-comb  may  be  n?eded  to 
ccratch  off  or  remove  mud  that  may  have  become  dry  and  ptiff  on 
tb€  limbs  of  horses ;  and  for  these  reasons,  if  for  no  others,  1  sup- 
pose we  can  not  dispense  with  the  curry-comb.     There  are  some 
parts  where  the  curry-comb  should  not  be  used — for  example,  oo 


398  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

the  inside  of  the  thighs,  flanks,  chest,  and  face,  where  the  skin  h 
not  so  thick,  and  more  sensitive  than  some  other  regions  of  tht 
body.  Some  horses,  especially  those  of  a  strougly-mavke<l,  nervous 
temperament,  have  very  sensitive  skins,  and  can  not  even  bear  ;> 
My  to  light  on  their  bodies  without  evincing  signs  of  pain  anu 
irritation.  On  such  the  curry-comb  should  be  used  gently  and 
in  a  spirit  of  mercy.  There  are  other  horses,  however,  especially 
those  of  the  lymphatic  temperament,  and  whose  skins  are  less 
sensitive,  who  can  bear  the  actiDn  of  the  ourry-eomb  without 
much  flinching,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  a  merciful  man  to  consider 
this  matter  when  cleaning  a  horse.  Thorouglibred  horses,  which 
include  a  vast  number  of  the  sanguine  temperament,  have  a  very 
active  circulation  over  the  whole  surface  of  the  body,  and  this 
vast  circulation,  through  the  superficial  vessels,  argues  a  delicate 
Bense  of  touch.  To  them  the  curry-comb,  unless  used  very  gently, 
ia  severe  torture. 


Horses  and  Cattle  should  have  a  Supply  of 
Pure  Water. 

ii.ithough  few  persons  think  it  worth  while  to  pay  much  atten- 
tion to  this  department  of  husbandry,  yet  a  little  reflection  will 
convince  any  reasonable  person  of  the  value  and  imjjortance  of 
furnishing  animals  with  a  constant  supply  of  pure  water.  Pure, 
cool  water  is  said  to  be  a  God-send  to  a  thirst}'  throat ;  and  as  ani- 
mals are  apt  to  have  thirsty  throats,  they  should  be  permitted  to 
enjoy  a  luxury  which  costs  but  a  trifle,  and  operates  very  favora- 
bly in  promoting  their  health.  All  classes  of  domestic  animals 
have  as  great  an  aversion  to  impure,  filthy  water  as  ourselves,  and 
the  former  will  often  turn  away  with  disgust  from  the  filthy  stuff 
called  water  which  is  often  found  in  water-troughs  on  the  road- 
side, and  within  the  precincts  of  the  barn  and  in  some  pastures. 
The  common,  stagnated  pond-water,  which  many  poor  creatures 
are  compelled  to  imbibe,  is  often  the  exciting  cause  of  disease, 
especially  in  the  Western  States,  where  decayed  vegetable  matter 
abounds. 

Pure  water  will  never  injure  an  animal.  I  do  not  believe  the 
swiies  which  are  told  about  horses  becoming  foundered  in  conse- 
uuence  of  drinking  pure  water.  In  a  majority  of  cases,  Mr.  Fast- 
man  is  blameable.     He  has  probably  either  overdriven  or  over- 


HORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  399 

work  el  the  creature,  or  else  has  suffered  it,  when  heated,  to  cool 
dH'  without  the  necessary  care  and  attention  which  should  ahvaya 
be  o))served  when  animals  are  fatigued  or  perspiring  freely.  Hard 
iipage,  willful  neglect,  and  wanton  cruelty  are  more  likely  to  j)ro- 
dure  disease  than  the  universal  beverage,  so  acceptable  to  the  palate 
r.f  a  weary  or  thirsty  horse.  How  often  do  we  see  a  "  let "  horse 
"oni€  into  the  stable  all  exhausted  and  used  up,  scarcely  able  to 
isdvance  one  limb  before  another !  Examine  into  the  facts,  and  we 
ehall  find  that  the  powers  of  the  subject  have  perhaps  been  over- 
taxed. He  has  been  driven  too  far,  or  at  too  rapid  a  rate,  for  the 
present  state  of  his  constitution  to  endure,  and  perhaps  he  has  not 
had  sufficient  nourishment  to  repair  the  waste  incidental  to  the 
living  mechanism  under  the  states  of  rapid  and  protracted  labor 
Is  not  this  enough  to  account  tor  the  used-up  condition?  Is  it 
not  more  rational  to  suppose  that  abuse  of  the  respiratory  organa 
and  those  of  locomotion  operates  far  more  unfavorably  on  the 
norse  than  water  ?  It  is.  But  Mr.  Fastman  must,  if  there  be 
atiy  blame  rightly  belonging  to  him,  try  to  shift  the  same  from  hia 
slr^oulderS;  and,  therefore,  he  avails  himself  of  a  popular  error — 
"  He  drank  too  much  water ;"  yet  the  individual  had  no  means  of 
ascertaining  the  precise  quantity  needed. 

We  might  say,  as  regards  some  horses,  whose  labors  are  very 
fatiguing,  that  tiiey  come  from  their  work,  and,  as  soon  as  unhar- 
nes-sed,  go  to  the  trough,  and  imbibe  from  one  to  three  buckets 
without  any  bad  effect.  Some  animals  need  more  water  than 
ethers.  The  kind  of  work,  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere, 
and  the  nature  of  the  food,  whether  it  be  wet  or  dry,  all  tend  to 
diversify  an  animal's  wants.  The  domesticated  horse  requires  a 
bountiful  supply  of  good  water.  His  body  is  composed  of  seventy- 
five  })er  cent,  of  the  same,  and  he  can  no  more  exist  without  it 
than  he  can  without  food.  A  cow  or  ox  is  probably  the  best  judge 
as  regards  its  own  wants  as  to  the  quantity  of  water  needed.  It 
is  not  the  quantity  which  a  rational  animal  imbibes  which  does 
harm,  but  it  is  the  quality  that  demands  our  attention. 

Tihirsty  people  drink  all  the  cold  water  they  need.  Then  why 
ile])rive  a  cow  or  horse  of  what  they  actually  require?  Consider 
the  condition  of  the  inhabitants  of  po])ulous  cities  during  the  sum- 
mer season.  Thirst  amounts  almost  to  a  disease,  and,  in  view  of 
quenching  it,  tl^o  thirsty  are  continually  imbibing  water,  rendered 
cold,  hot,  sour,  sweet,  or  alkaline,  just  as  fancy  dictates  or  as  fashion 


iUO  UADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  ANb  SURUERr. 

prevails.  Cold  icings  and  other  fixings  are  called  into  requi&i» 
tion  to  smother  the  fire  of  thirst  which  rages  within.  Every  bodj 
partakes  freely — the  young  and  the  aged,  the  exhausted  and  vigor- 
0U8;  the  laborer  wearied  by  a  hard  day's  work,  and  the  rich  man 
of  no  work — each  and  all  are  doing  their  best  to  see  the  bottom 
of  the  pitcher,  and  to  pitch  their  bodies  into  the  watery  element. 
Yet,  after  all,  how  few  persons  complain  of  any  bad  effect  from  it 

Inquire  into  the  history  of  some  of  the  acute  maladies  that  art 
supposed  to  arise  from  water-drinking,  and  it  will  be  found  thai 
many  of  the  sufferers  have  a  peculiarity  of  constitution  which  ren- 
ders them  amenable  to  the  laws  of  primogenital  disease,  which; 
although  latent  under  ordinary  circumstances,  can,  by  disturbing 
the  life  forces,  through  neglect,  cruelty,  and  overwork,  be  developed 
at  almost  any  time  of  life. 

Animals  should  never  be  allowed  to  drink  pond-water.  They 
should  either  have  access  to  a  running  stream  or  a  clean  wate^ 
trough. 

Galled  Back. 

Galled  back,  ua  sore  back,  is  usually  occasioned  by  bad-fitting 
saddle  or  harness.  If  that  be  the  case,  the  shape  of  the  same  must 
be  altered  so  as  to  correspond  to  the  shape  of  that  portion  of  the 
back  which  comes  in  contact  with  it.  This  can  be  done  by  pad- 
ding the  concavities  with  lamb's  wool,  and  in  chambering  the  con- 
vexities so  tnat  there  shall  be  no  unequal  pressure  nor  causes  for 
Irritation.  Yet,  after  all,  it  may  be  more  economical  to  procure  a 
new  article  and  a  better  fit ;  and  this  may  also  be  the  most  humane 
policy. 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  an  abrasion  is  discovered  on  the  back, 
tlie  animal  should  be  excused  from  duty  for  a  few  days.  The 
abraded  part  should  be  lubricated  two  or  three  times  daily  with 
common  tar  and  olive  oil,  equal  parts,  and  this  will  soon  restore 
the  parts  to  soundness.  Should  there  be  no  abrasion,  yet  tum.e- 
faction,  heat,  and  tenderness,  a  cold-water  pledget,  renewed  ai 
occasion  seems  to  require,  will  improve  the  condition  of  the  parts, 
when  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  tar  and  oil  lotion.  Sometimes, 
in  consequence  of  neglect,  the  integument  becomes  callous  or  indu- 
rated. This  condition  was  termed  by  ancient  farriers  "  sit-fi\st.*' 
The  treatment  for  this  consists  in  smearing  the  callous  with  th« 
following : 


HORSE    MAXAGEMENT,  ETC.  401 

No.  G3.  Iodide  of  potass 1  dr. 

Simple  ointment G  dr. 

Glycerine 2  dr. 

Mix  these  ingredients  well  together,  and  they  are  then  fit  for 
use.  A  few  applications  of  this  ointment  will  have  the  ellect  of 
removing  the  callous,  when  a  healthy  surface  will  appear. 

Some  animals,  owing  to  a  peculiarity  of  constitution  or  of  form, 
will  chaf''  in  those  parts  which  come  in  contact  Avith  the  collar  and 
saddle,  and  no  human  foresight  nor  mechanical  contrivance  can 
always  succeed  in  preventing  the  same.  For  example,  some  horses 
are  humory,  as  the  saying  is— perhaps  have  a  taint  of  scrofula 
about  them — and  if  they  perform  a  hard  day's  labor  in  the  warm 
seasoc  of  the  year,  notwithstanding  they  be  harnessed  in  the  best 
possible  manner,  they  will  come  home  at  night  with  either  galled 
shoulders  or  sore  back.  For  such  cases  as  these  the  harness-maker, 
with  all  his  skill  and  ingenuity,  has  no  other  remedy  than  that  of 
a  palliative  character. 

The  Heart. 

The  current  of  blood  is  said  to  be  put  in  motion  by  a  muscular 
organ  known  as  the  heart,  which  is  located  within  the  thorax,  or 
chest.  The  blood  is  distributed  to  all  the  various  raniitications 
of  the  body  by  means  of  vessels  called  arteries,  and  it  is  returned 
to  the  heart  by  the  veins.  The  red  color  of  the  blood  is  due  to 
the  presence  of  red  corpuscles,  which  are  always  to  be  found  in  the 
blood  of  the  vertebrata.  In  some  of  the  invertebrata  the  blood 
is  white,  or  resembles  the  color  of  chyle. 

Mode  of  Circulation.— The  blood,  having  been  propelled  from 
the  left  or  posterior  ventricle  of  the  heart  to  all  the  various  rami- 
fications of  the  body,  passes  through  the  extreme  vessels  (capil- 
lary) into  the  veins.  These  veins  terminate  in  a  vessel  known  as 
vena  cava,  anterior  and  posterior,  both  of  which  sections  termi- 
nate in  the  right  or  anterior  auricle.  This  auricle  contracts,  and 
the  venous  blood  thus  finds  its  way  into  the  right  ventricle,  where 
the  pulmonary  arteries  have  their  origin.  By  aid  of  tke  muscular 
power  of  this  ventricle,  the  blood  is  sent  through  the  pulmonary 
arteries  to  the  lungs  (aeration  and  oxygenation).  The  color  of 
this  blood  is  dark,  almost  black.  It  is  highly  carbonized,  abounds 
in  morbific  matter  and  the  worn-out  materials  of  the  body,  and 
in  this  state  is  a  non-supporter  of  vitality.  lu  this  condition, 
26 


M)!.  DiDDS  ViniRItAlY  .HKOUINE   AND  SUHGEjCY 

Ibeu,  veiiots  bio  )d  enters  the  pulmonary  tissies.     The  artoriali 
latioD  o.'  the  blood  which  follows  k  a  proceijs  more  ea&tiitiui  to 
vital  :iiutegrity  than  the  assimilation  of  food;  for  animals  can  live 
a  long  time  without  food,  but  they  ciin  only  exist  a  shoil  time 
unless  the  blood  be  oxygenized. 

The  fulmouary  arteries  branch  off  into  minute  ramifications  on 
the  surf  ice  of  the  air-ceils  of  the  lungs,  and  where  these  minute 
divisions  terminate  others  commence,  termed  venous  radicles, 
which  ultimately  become  large  veins.  By  the  pulmonary  veine 
the  oxygenized  blood  is  returned  to  the  hsft  auricle  and  ventricle 
of  the  heart.  This  route  of  the  blood  t'l  cm  he:irt  to  lungs,  and  back 
again  from  lungs  to  heart,  is  termed  tlie  loa-er  circulation.  The 
left  ventricle  delivers  the  blood  into  the  gn?at  aorta,  and  thence 
to  every  part  of  the  body.     This  is  called  the  greater  circulation. 

Difference  between  Veins  and  Arieri&8. — The  veins  differ  from 
arteries  in  being  less  dense,  having  no  muscular  nor  iigamentar) 
tunics  like  the  arteries,  and,  therefore,  offer  but  Little  resistance  to 
tight  collars  and  tight-fitting  harness  and  circingles,  wliich  are  apt 
to  interfere  with  the  return  of  blood  to  the  heart.  The  incapacity 
of  veins  returning  blood  to  the  heart  in  the  same  ratio  in  whicd  it 
is  carried  by  the  arteries,  is  proved  from  the  fact  that  the  former 
are  twice  as  voluminous  as  the  latter.  The  veius  ali?o  differ  in 
their  internal  arrangement  from  the  aiterief,  the  former  being 
furnished,  at  proper  distances,  w?th  valves,  wiiioh  giiai'd  against  a 
retrograde  venous  action. 

The  Quantity  ov  J^locd  Contusrd  in  ing  .^dy 

OF   A   IIOltSE. 

Mr.  Peucivalu  who  is  our  chief  authoi i  y  on  thli,  subject, 
cxntends  that,  for  many  reasons,  the  quantity  of  blood  contained 
in  an  animal  body  may  be  made  matttr  of  speculation,  but  can 
not,  for  many  reasons,  be  ascertained  with  any  degree  of  precision ; 
for,  says  iic,  "  if  we  at"empt  to  draw  all  the  blood  out  of  the  body, 
the  animal  sinks  and  dies  long  before  its  vessels  are  evacualcd; 
and  as  wo  possess  no  means  of  measuring  what  remains  lieiiind, 
any  calculation  we  may  make  from  the  quantity  that  has  floi?e«l 
miut  nec(«Harily  turn  out  vague,  if  not  altogether  iacorr«!ct."  lie 
contends,  however,  that  the  following  (Bxperiment  offers  a  datum, 
•)r  guide: 


IIOUSR    MAXAfiRMKNT,    ETC.  4U3 

**  The  weight  of  an  animal  being  ascertained  tc  be  seventy- 
nine  pounds,  a  puncture  was  made  with  a  lancet  into  the  jugular, 
from  which  the  blood  f.owcd  in  a  very  free  stream,  and  was  col- 
lected. The  vein  having  ceased  to  bleed,  the  caroted  artery  of 
the  same  side  was  divided,  but  no  blood  came  from  it.  In  a  few 
seconds  afterward  the  animal  was  dead  The  weight  of  the  car- 
cass was  found  to  be  seventy-three  and  one-half  pounds  ;  conse- 
quently, the  animal  had  sustained  a  loss  of  5.12  pounds,  precisely 
the  measure  of  the  blood  drawn. 

It  appears,  therefore,  from  this  experiment,  that  an  animal  will 
lose  one-tlfieenth  of  its  weight  of  blood  ere  it  dies,  although  a  less 
quantity  may  so  far  debilitate  tlie  vital  powers  as  to  be,  though 
less  suddenly,  equally  fatal.  In  the  human  subject,  the  quantity 
of  blood  has  been  computed  at  about  one-eighth  part  of  the  weight 
of  the  body  ;  and  as  such  an  opinion  has  been  broached  from  the 
results  of  experiments  on  quadrupeds,  we  may  fairly  take  that  to 
be  about  the  proportion  of  it  in  the  horse  ;  so  that  if  we  estimate 
the  weight  of  a  common  sized  horse  at  about  12  cwt.,  the  whole 
quantity  of  blood  will  amount  to  84  quarts,  or  1G8  pounds,  of 
which  about  45  quarts,  or  90  pounds,  will  flow  f lom  the  jugular 
vein  prior  to  death,  though  the  loss  of  a  much  smaller  quantity 
will  sometimes  deprive  the  animal  of  life  " 

The  Eapidity  of  the  CiRcrLATio]sr. 

In  1827,  Herixg,*  a  German  physiologist,  performed  the  ex- 
periment of  injecting  into  the  jugular  vein  of  a  dog  a  harmless 
substance,  which  could  be  easily  recognized  by  its  chemical  reac- 
tions, and  noted  the  time  which  elapsed  before  it  could  be  de- 
tected in  the  vein  of  the  opposite  side.  This  gave  the  first  correct 
idea  of  the  rapidity  of  the  circulation  ;  for  though  the  older  phys- 
iologists had  studied  the  subject,  their  estimates  were  founded  on 
calculations  which  had  no  accurate  basis,  and  gave  very  different 
results.  The  experiment  of  Herixg  is  often  roughly  performed 
as  a  physiological  demonstration,  and  we  have  thus  had  frequent 
occasion,  in  a  general  way,  to  verify  its  accuracy.  If,  for  ex- 
ample, we  expose  both  jugulars  of  a  dog,  inject  into  one  a  solution 
of  ferro-cyanide  of  potassium  in  water,  and  draw  a  specimen  of 

*  Milne-Edwards. 


4U4  DADU'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

blood  from  the  other,  with  as  little  loss  of  time  as  poseir-Ie,  it  wili 
be  found  that,  in  twenty  or  thirty  seconds  after  the  injection,  the 
salt  has  had  time  to  pass  from  the  jugular  to  the  right  side  of  the 
heart,  thence  to  the  lungs  and  lett  side  of  the  heart,  and  from 
this,  through  the  capillaries  of  the  head  and  face,  back  to  the 
jugular  on  the  opposite  side.  Its  presence  can  be  determined  by 
the  distinct  blue  color  produced  on  the  addition  of  the  perchlo- 
iiiie  of  iron  to  the  serum,  if  the  specimen  be  allowed  to  stand,  or 
a  clear  extract  of  the  blood  be  made  by  boiling  with  a  little  sul- 
phate of  soda  and  filtering,  treating  the  colorless  liquid  thus  ob- 
tained with  the  salt  of  iron.  The  experiments  of  Herinq  were 
evidently  conducted  with  great  care  and  accuracy.  He  drew 
blood  at  intervals  of  five  seconds  after  the  commencement  of  the 
injection,  and  thus,  by  repeated  observations,  ascertained  pretty 
nearly  the  rapidity  of  the  circuit  of  blood  in  the  animals  on  which 
he  experimented.  Others  have  taken  up  these  investigations,  and 
introduced  some  modifications  in  the  manipulations.  Vierordt 
collected  the  blood  as  it  flowed,  in  little  vessels  fixed  oi>  a  aisk 
revolving  at  a  known  rate,  which  gave  a  little  more  exactness  to 
the  observations;  but  the  method  is  essentially  the  same  as  that 
employed  by  Hering,  and  the  result"  obtained  by  these  two 
observers  nearly  correspon  1. 

Herixg  made  observations  on  horses  by  increasing  the  fre- 
quency of  the  pulse,  on  the  one  hand,  physiologically,  by  exercise, 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  pathologically,  by  inducing  inflammation. 
He  found,  in  the  first  instance,  that  in  a  horse,  with  the  heart 
beating  at  the  rate  of  thirty-six  per  minute,  with  eight  respira- 
tory acts,  ferro-cyanide  of  potassium  injected  into  the  jugular  ap- 
peared on  the  vessels  on  the  opposite  side,  after  an  interval  of 
from  twenty  to  twenty-five  seconds.  By  exercise,  the  number  of 
pulsations  was  raised  to  one  hundred  per  minute,  and  the  rapidity 
of  the  circulation  was  from  fifteen  to  twenty  seconds.  The  obser- 
vations were  made  with  an  interval  of  twenty-four  hours.  Th« 
same  results  were  obtained  in  other  experiments. 

The  Transfusion  of  Blood. 

J.  Farrell,  V.  S.,  has  lately  been  experimenting  in  an  intei- 
eeting  department  of  veterinary  science ;  namely,  the  transtusioii 
of  equine  blood  in  diseases  attended  with  low,  vital  action.     Trans- 


aOKSli  MANAGEM'iN'I,  ETC.  404 

ihsion  signifies  the  transfer  of  blood  from  one  living  mi  laal  uO 
mother,  by  means  of  a  hollow  tube  inserted  into  the  jugular  vei  ie 
of  each  horse.     Hii  method  was  as  follows : 

"I  commenced  a  series  of  experiments,  so  as  to  diico /er  tl;< 
amplest,  safest,  and  most  effectual  method  of  convey'.ng  bloi-d 
6x)m  one  animal  to  another.  I  first  tried  the  transfusion  sfiinge^ 
jrhich  has  been  used  by  medical  practitioners  for  this  purpose  j 
but,  "whetlur  from  want  of  skill  in  its  use,  or  from  somo  difect  in 
the  instrument,  (which  had  been  recommended  to  me  as  on(  of  the 
beet,)  or  from  some  other  cause,  I  can  not  tell,  but  certain  it  is  I 
was  in  no  case  so  successful  with  it  as  I  was  with  a  more  simple 
apparatus.  I  fancied  that  the  blood  lost  much  of  its  vitality  by 
being  exposed  to  atmospheric  action,  and  also  by  its  being  forced 
and  compressed  within  the  cylinder  of  the  instrument.  These 
'muressi'ms  as  to  the  cause  of  failure  induced  me  to  undertake 
several  experimenis,  with  a  view  to  the  construction  of  an  instru- 
ment which  would  fulfill  the  requisite  indications;  namely,  to  allo\» 
the  blov)d  to  pass  freely  from  the  vein  of  the  heakhy  into  thut  of 
the  diseased  subject,  without  coming  in  contact  with  the  atmos- 
phere, and  without  alteration  of  its  temperature.  I  at  length 
adopted  an  exceedingly  simple  apparatus,  which  may  be  described 
ia  a  few  words.  It  consists  of  an  India-rubber  tube,  some  two 
and  a  half  feet  long,  and  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter; 
that  is,  about  the  caliber  of  the  vein  in  the  adult  horse.  To  either 
end  of  this  is  fitted  a  silver  tube,  curved  somewhat  like  a  syphon, 
%o  that  me  end,  which  is  slightly  rounded  at  the  point,  might  be 
tjasily  passed  into  the  vein,  both  tubes  being  exactly  alike.  A  nar- 
row zinc  or  tin  trough  is  required,  to  contain  hot  water,  in  which 
two-thirds  of  the  tube  should  be  immersed  during  the  time  that 
the  blood  is  flowing.  This  completes  the  apparatus ;  and,  being 
prepared,  and  the  horses  ready,  held  by  assistant'*,  the  jugular 
rein  of  the  hsalthy  horse  from  which  the  supply  of  is  to  l>e  taken 
may  be  opened,  and  into  it  one  of  the  silver  tubes  carefully  passed, 
point  upward,  so  at  to  receive  the  current  of  blood  as  it  flows  back 
from  the  head — the  operator  hoMing  the  other  end,  and,  laving 
previously  opened  the  corres{)onding  vein  in  the  patient,  he  shoula 
wait  till  the  current  is  passing  freely  dawn  the  tube  fn  m  the 
healthy  horse,  and  then  bring  it  in  contact  with  that  whi^h  is  now 
flowing  slowly  from  the  patient.  He  should  pass  the  (  ad  of  the 
inhe  lurefully  int^  the  vein,  point  downward,  by  wlJch    ne  ms  tlj« 


406  D.vOD'S   VHTIvRLNARY  MHDICINE  AND  SIjRv,;ERY. 

possibility  of  any  air  getting  into  the  tube  is  avoided.  The  quan- 
tity to  be  transfused  is  readily  ascertained  by  watching  the  expres- 
sion of  the  eyes  and  noting  the  pulse  carefully.  So  long  as  there 
is  no  dilatation  of  the  pupils,  and  so  l6ng  as  the  heart's  action  is  not 
very  niucli  affected,  the  blood  may  be  allowed  to  flow  on  uninter- 
ru]>tedly ;  but  as  soon  as  the  pupils  become  dilated,  it  is  necessary 
to  lessen  the  supply  gradually,  by  compressing  the  tube  with  th* 
finger  and  thumb.  If  the  dilatation  disappear  after  a  minute  i 
two,  the  blood  may  be  again  allowed  to  flow ;  but  if  it  increases, 
fiirther  transfusion  must  be  stopped,  or,  otherwise,  injurious  con- 
sequences  will  result. 

In  the  cases  of  two  animals  which  I  purchased  for  the  purpose 
of  experiment,  I  purposely  allowed  the  blood  to  flow  after  dilata- 
tion of  the  pupil  had  manifested  itself,  in  order  that  I  might  see 
the'^resuit,  and  I  found  it  to  increase;  and  in  one  of  the  cases, 
after  winking  both  eyes  three  or  four  times,  in  rapid  succession, 
the  horse  reared  up  and  fell  back.  In  the  other  case,  I  forced  the 
blood  in  from  an  India-rubber  enema  bottle.  The  pupils  firist 
became  still  more  dilated;  the  breathing  very  quick  and  difficult, 
the  eyes  assumed  a  wild,  agonized  look,  and  the  animal,  with  a 
sudden  bound,  fell  forward  dead.  I  had  my  finger  on  the  artery 
during  the  entire  time,  and  observea  a  great  unsteadiness  and  flut- 
tering of  the  pulse,  which  increased  in  frequency  until  the  instant 
before  he  fell.  In  the  first  of  these  cases,  I  did  not  force  the  blood 
into  the  vein,  but  allowed  it  to  flow  until  I  perceived  the  injurious 
effects  upon  the  horse.  He  tottered  and  fell,  but  in  a  short  time 
recovered,  and  Avas  walked  back  to  his  stable.  He  died  in  the 
course  of  the  night,  and,  on  examining  his  head  the  next  day,  I 
found  considerable  congestion  of  the  brain.  The  tube  used  for 
the  experiments  transferred  about  three  quarts  of  blood  in  eight 
minutes ;  at  least  it  might  be  so  inferred,  from  the  fact  that  when 
osed  Pi"  a  syphon,  it  passed  three  and  a  half  quarts  of  water  (and 
c  little  leso  of  oil)  from  one  vessel  to  another  in  that  time. 

I  think,  however,  that  I  am  correct  in  saying  that  this  disease 
is  by  no  means  so  likely  to  occur  in  horses  as  in  human  beings,  and 
is  certainly  not  so  formidable ;  but,  nevertheless,  I  am  quite  sure 
that  it  may  happen  as  a  consequence  of  the  operation,  if  the  instru^' 
raent  be  not  kept  scrupulously  clean,  and  also  if  great  care  be  not 
taken  in  its  introduction  in  the  vein.  Having,  from  these  and 
atber  experiments,  not  necessary  to  detail,  determined  on  the  mod« 


RORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  407 

of  operation  most  ^.ikely  to  be  successful,  I  shall  now  proceei!  tc 
state  the  result  of  four  eases  in  which  I  have  operated,  and  which, 
1  think,  I  may  look  upon  as  having  been  followed  with  entire 
success.  In  three  of  the  cases  the  patients  had  been  bled  a  short 
time  previous  to  ray  having  seen  them,  and  were  so  much  weak- 
ened that  they  could  scarcely  walk.  In  the  fourth  case,  a  drastic 
purgative  had  been  administered,  causing  superpurgutiou  and  grejit 
prostration  of  strength.  In  each  of  the  four  cases,  the  condition 
of  the  patient  was  so  similar  that  the  description  I  have  already 
given  may  answer  for  all.  Having  selected  a  healthy  young  hor&e 
from  Avhich  to  obtain  the  blood  to  be  transferred,  I  o])ened  thfl 
jugular  vein  in  the  patient  and  in  the  healthy  subject;  and  hav- 
ing inserted  the  tube,  as  before  described^,  into  the  vein  of  the 
healthy  horse.  I  placed  the  India-rubber  tube  in  the  tin  trough 
containing  hot  water,  to  maintain  the  right  temperature,  and  the 
other  curved  tube  into  the  descending  portion  of  the  vein  in  the 
patient.  As  soon  as  the  current  from  the  healthy  horse  had  com- 
pletely expelled  all  atmospheric  air,  the  instrument  being  thus 
arranged,  the  blood  flowed  freely  from  the  vein  of  one  horse  into 
that  of  the  other  in  an  unbroken  current.  The  average  quantity 
of  blood  transferred  in  each  of  these  cases  was  about  three  quarts. 
I  observed  no  particular  symptoms  to  follow  from  the  transfusion, 
until  two  quarts  or  more  had  passed  from  the  healthy  to  the  dis^ 
eased  subject ;  but  as  soon  as  about  that  quantit}''  had  flowed,  thera 
appeared  to  be  produced  an  amount  of  stimulation,  indicated  by  an . 
kicreased  action  of  the  heart ;  at  the  same  time  the  pupils  began  to 
dilate,  and  the  countenance  evinced  an  anxious  expression.  My 
former  experiments  led  me  to  watch  with  great  care  the  progress- 
ive dilatation  of  the  pupil,  and  I  deemed  it  expedient,  in  nach  case, 
when  this  svmptom  was  well  developed,  to  compress  the  tube  so 
as  to  diminish  the  current,  and  allow  the  transfusion  to  j)roceed 
more  gradually  and  slowly.  Occasionally  I  almost  complttely 
interrupted  the  current  until  the  subsidence  of  this  symptom,  and 
I  found  that  when  about  three  quarts  had  been  transfused,  any 
additional  quantity  was  followed  by  unpleasant  symptoms,  which 
indicated  the  necessity  of  stopping  the  operation.  On  removnig 
the  tube  and  closing  the  vein,  all  symptoms  of  irritation  gradually 
subsided,  and  the  pulse,  from  being  rapid  and  irritable,  became 
slower,  stronger,  and  fuller,  gradually  approaching  the  healthy 
tandard. 


f08  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERI 

In  each  of  these  four  cases  the  reaction  was  steady  and  progrws 
give.  The  natural  warmth  of  the  extremities  was  graduall) 
restored,  and,  in  the  course  of  ten  or  twelve  hours,  the  patient 
^.resented  other  equally  unmistakable  symptoms  of  amendment, 
Bueh  as  returning  appetite,  more  quiet  and  steady  respiration, 
cheerfulness  of  countenance,  and  a  willingness  to  move  about. 
From  this  point  there  was  a  gradual  improvement,  and,  in  a  sho/t 
time,  they  were  pronounced  cured. 

I  have  been  induced  to  submit  these  few  remarks,  much  lea 
•with  a  view  to  record  any  little  success  I  may  have  had  in  per- 
forming the  operation  myself,  than  with  a  hope  that  others,  far 
more  capable,  will  take  up  the  matter,  and  test  it  thoroughly ;  for, 
whatever  obstacles  and  objections  there  may  be  to  its  performance 
in  the  human  subject,  there  are  none  to  prevent  its  becoming  a 
most  valuable  agent  in  veterinary  science." 

Soon  after  the  discovery  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood  by 
Harvey,  transfusion  was  attempted  on  animals,  and  afterward 
on  man.  In  some  cases  the  experiment  was  successful,  while 
others  failed  to  afford  relief;  in  fact,  a  majority  of  the  cases  ter- 
minated unfavorably ;  and  of  late  years  transfusion  has  been  aban- 
doned, and  regarded  as  "  useless  and  even  dangerous."  We  can 
conceive,  however,  of  cases  which  might  occur — when,  for  exam- 
ple, a  horse  has  lost  a  large  quantity  of  blood  accidentally— to 
warrant  us  in  resorting  to  transfusion ;  and  if  any  of  our  veter- 
inary friends  are  disposed  to  make  experiments  of  this  kind,  we 
urge  them  to  do  so,  notwithstanding  the  opinion  of  the  Parlia- 
ment of  France  against  it,  and  that  of  some  scientific  men  who 
have  pronounced  it  "  useless  and  dangerous." 

One  among  the  many  reasons  whicli  may  be  urged  against 
transfusion  is  the  fact  that  venous  blood  is  a  non-supporter  of 
vitality.  It  is  saturated  with  the  excrementitious  material  ab- 
sorbed from  the  intestinal  canal,  fibrous  membranes,  and  cellular 
tissues,  and  a  vast  amount  of  morbific  matter  is  mixed  with  the 
venous  blood  in  the  course  of  its  circulation,  so  that  it  can  not  be 
of  any  benefit  tc  the  system  o'  a  sick  oi-  dying  horse  until  it  shall 
btcome  cxygcnized  or  Vitalized,  or  changed  from  venous  to  arte- 
rial blood,  which  change  can  not  possibly  tako  place  until  thla 
fluid  has  readied  the  air-cells  of  the  lungs.  It  would  appear, 
therefore,  that  the  transfusion  of  vitalized  artprial  blood,  if  the 
nrocess  can  l^e  conducted  with  the  relative  amount  of  safety  at^ 


UORSE  MANAGEMENT,  ETC.  409 

tending  that  of  the  transfer  of  venous  blood,  would  ho  a  procedure 
more  consistent  with  the  known  laws  of  physiology  than  is  the 
case  when  venous  blood  is  transfused.  It  is  possible  that  some 
animals  might  be  benefited  by  the  transfusion  of  venous  blood, 
provided  the  heart  and  lungs  of  the  patient  are  in  a  healthy  state, 
30  as  to  insure  sufficient  oxygenation;  other«'ise,  the  rapid  con- 
immption  of  the  little  oxygen  absorbed  would  be  likely  to  end  in 
asphyxia.  If  the  function  of  the  lungs  be  impaired  by  disease, 
thee  the  process  of  aeration  of  the  blood  is  checked,  and  the  blood 
can  not  circulate,  notwithstanding  the  healthy  state  of  the  heart. 
In  verification  of  this  fact,  as  regards  the  very  important  function 
of  respiration  and  aeration,  we  may  mention  that  Dr.  Austls 
Flint,  Jun.,  has  lately  demonstrated  that  the  condition  of  oxy- 
genation of  the  blood  is  necessary  to  the  performance  of  the  vital 
functions,  and  that  a  want  of  capillary  power  (occasioned  by  im- 
perfect oxygenation)  throws  all  onus  on  the  heart,  and  that  the 
heart  is  insufficient  for  the  labor.  In  one  of  his  experiments,  after 
capillary  circulation  had  entirely  ceased,  the  chest  was  opened 
\nd  the  heart  found  beating  regularly. 

Management  of  the  Horse's  Foot  in  the  Stable. 

It  is  my  firm  belief,  based  on  a  knowledge  of  the  physiology 
of  the  foot,  that  soft  bedding,  containing  the  usual  amount  of 
filth,  is,  in  many  cases,  the  exciting  cause,  not  only  of  tender- 
ness and  contraction,  but  also  of  many  muscular  affections.  I 
lejoice  to  find  horse-owners  exercising  their  reason  in  this  depart- 
ment of  stable  management,  because  it  is  one  step  in  the  right 
direction,  and  will  put  a  stop  to  those  glaring  absurdities  whia' 
are  constantly  practiced  just  because  tlicy  have  the  sanction  oi 
antiquity,  or  because  Neighbor  So-and-so  recommends  them. 
Reason  teaches  that  the  health  of  the  wliole  animal  fabric  is  best 
promoted  by  cleanliness  and  ventilation  (liy  which  a  jmre  atmo- 
sphere is  insured),  and  by  food  suitable  in  quantity  and  quality 
to  the  special  wants  of  the  animal.  Hence,  what  reason  teaches, 
man  should  practice. 

It  is  unreasonable,  therefore,  to  suppose  that  a  horse  can  be 
benefited  by  standing  on  a  soft  bed,  composed  in  part  of  the  de- 
filing excreni'^nts  of  his  own  body,  which  are  constantly  decom- 
posing and  forming  gaseous  vai^nrs  unfit  for  respiration.      K  lirl 


tic  DADDS  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERl. 

and  filth  are  innoxious,  in  what  does  the  vahic  of  our  Sauitar^ 
regulations  consist  ?  Why  do  our  city  authorities  spend  so  mud 
money  to  purify  the  pestiferous  cesspool  and  sewer,  and  to  rid  oui 
streets  of  accumulating  rubbish  and  filth?  Let  human  bc'ugs  wal- 
low kuee-de«p  in  muck,  and  revel  shoulder-deep  in  an  atmosphere 
saturated  with  animoniacal  and  carbonic  acid  gases  (as  some  horset 
are  compelled  to),  and  death  would  run  riot — our  cities  would  he 
converted  into  immense  charnel-houses,  fit  receptacles  for  a  raan 
of  beings  that  would  not  adopt  the  means  which  reason  and  expe- 
rience suggest  for  averting  the  calamity. 

Horses  that  have  no  better  care  than  that  alluded  to,  are  iu 
close  proximity  with  disease.  That  they  are  often  found  dead  in 
their  stalls  from  the  effects  of  carbonized  blood  I  can  testity,  ana 
many  more  would  die,  only  they  are  permitted  to  take  a  little  of 
the  breath  of  life  during  the  day,  which,  to  some  extent,  dilutes 
the  poisonous  gases  with  which  their  system  has  been  saturated 
during  the  night,  and  thus  their  life,  which,  under  the  best  cir- 
cumstances, is  a  weary  toil,  is  prolonged. 

Without  attempting  to  prove  the  general  effects  oi  im{)ure  ai.» 
and  filth  on  the  system  of  a  horse  located  in  a  stall  from  one  to 
two  and  a  half  feet  deep  of  soft  bedding,  let  us  consider,  in  a  brief 
manner,  the  local  phenomena.  Our  readers  are  all  aware  that  the 
combined  action  of  heat  and  moisture  tends  to  relax — enervat<» 
the  tissues  of  the  body,  and,  if  carried  beyond  a  certain  point, 
ends  in  decomjiosition.  Take,  for  example,  a  common  poultice, 
apply  it  to  a  horse's  foot,  and  renew  it  as  soon  as  it  becomes  dry. 
In  the  course  of  two  or  three  days  the  hoof  will  separate  from 
its  matrix,  the  frog  and  heels  soften,  the  tissues  be  in  a  stat€ 
of  relaxation,  and,  if  the  poultice  is  continued,  the  hoof  will 
geparato  from  the  sensible  parts ;  if  the  foot  is  already  diseased, 
the  separation  is  accelerated.  Warm  water  has  the  same  ettect. 
Applied  externally  for  any  length  of  time,  it  relaxes  and  pros- 
trates; applied  internally,  it  relaxes  and  vomits.  Hence  the  soft, 
(which  implies  moist,)  hot  bedding,  tends  to  create  morbid  action 
in  the  feet,  and  whatever  disease  the  horse  may  be  predisposed  to 
In  those  parts  will  generally  manifest  itself.  Some  animals,  how- 
ever, escape  the  evils  alluded  to,  owing  to  their  insusceptibility ; 
for  disease  of  the  foot  can  not  occur  without  a  susceptibility  to  it 
and  the  ajiplication  of  a  cause.  Soft  bedding,  cow  dung,  and  other 
unmentionable  filth,  are  often  resorted   to  as  remedies   for  con* 


flORSE  MANAGEMENT,   ETt.  41 J 

traction,  but  they  are  classed  among  the  irrational  barbarities  of 
th^  past,  with  which  they  ought  to  have  sunk  into  oblivion. 
Veterinaiy  science  has  discovered  that  if  such  articles  possess 
any  virtue,  it  is  owing  to  the  moisture  they  impart  to  the  foot. 
Therefore,  on  the  score  of  decency,  and  in  view  of  relaxing  the 
ocntracted  foot  according  to  the  principles  of  reason  and  modern 
science,  we  should  avoid  every  kind  of  filth,  and  resort  to  pure 
water  or  wholesome  poultice;  or  take  off  the  shoes,  wash  the  feet 
dailyj  and  let  the  horse  run  to  grass,  so  that  he  may  bring  the  sole 
and  frog  in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  thus  promote  expansion 
of  the  heels. 

As  regards  the  manufacture  of  tender  feet,  in  both  the  young 
and  aged,  it  makes  but  little  difference  whether  they  have  the 
range  of  a  filthy  barn-yard  or  are  confined  in  a  bedded  stall ;  the 
effect  is  tenderness  of  foot,  and  subsequent  lameness;  and  the 
same,  or  a  disposition  to  it,  may  be  transmitted  through  the  sexual 
congress  to  future  offspring.  In  view,  therefore,  of  preventing 
diseased  feet,  strict  attention  must  be  paid  to  cleanliness.  The 
stall  floor  should  be  composed  of  brick  or  planit,  having  just  suf- 
ficient declivity  to  conduct  fluids  into  a  gutter,  running  along  the 
entrance  to  the  stall,  which  should  terminate  exterior  to  the  stable, 
so  that  the  ammonia,  in  which  the  urine  is  abundant,  is  carried 
beyond  the  stable  atmosi)here.  The  bedding,  which,  according 
to  long  custom,  is  stowed  under  the  crib,  there  acting  as  a  sort  of 
noxious  smelling-bottle  to  the  horse's  nostrils,  should  be  spread 
out  in  the  open  air,  sorted,  the  refuse  and  excrement  removed  to 
a  dung-heap,  located  as  fi\r  from  the  stable  as  possible;  for  the 
common  manure  receptacle,  under  the  stable  floor,  is  one  of  the 
worst  features  of  stable  economy.  The  stable  floor  should  be 
washed  clean  as  often  as  circumstances  permit. 

Strangles  ("Distemper,"  or  "Horse  Ail")- 

lliis  disease  is  most  prevalent  in  young  horses.  After  the  age 
of  eight  the  disease  is  more  rare  I  have,  however,  seen  some 
well-marked  cases  occurring  in  hoises  whose  ages  varied  from  five 
to  eight  years.  Strangles  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  evils  o^ 
domestication,  and  often  results  from  arrors  in  diet  and  man- 
agement, which,  if  rt-e  make  some  exceptions,  will  generally  bear 
improvement. 


412  DADDS  VKTEIUNARY   MEDICINE  AND  ^URGER  • 

Strangles  is  supposed  to  be  a  disease  to  which  all  horses  an 
subject  once  in  their  lives,  yet  Mr.  Pekoivall  contends  that 
many  horses  escape  the  disease.  Hence,  if  many  escape,  it  if  very 
natural  for  those  who  know  the  value  of  pure  air,  natural  food, 
and  exercise  to  conclude  that  the  colt,  while  enjoying  these  great 
luxuries  in  the  open  air,  by  the  side  of  its  mother,  guided  1  j  her 
euj)eriur  instinct,  is  not  liable  to  be  attacked  with  a  disease  'vhif^n, 
as  already  stated,  we  believe  to  result  from  depriving  anin  als  of 
tho3e  blessings  which  Nature  has  in  store  for  them  in  thcii  unre- 
strained state.  But  it  often  happens  that  young  colts,  aft'  r  run- 
ning a  season  with  their  mother,  partaking  of  the  invig  rating 
country  air,  grow  up  to  be  strong  and  robust,  and  then  the  period 
arrives  f6r  weaning  them.  How  changed  the  scene!  Insl-ad  of 
being  j)ermitted  to  gambol  in  their  native  element,  they  arj  con- 
fined to  a  small  space,  not  large  enough  to  swing  a  cat  roun  ?,  i»nd 
perhaps  as  dark  as  the  grave ;  and  the  animal,  after  fretting  for  a 
season,  and  making  unsuccessful  efforts  to  escape  from  its  prison- 
house,  tamely  submits  to  the  discipline,  not,  however,  until  he  has 
cut  a'lid  bruised  and  otherwise  injured  himself.  I  was  called,  a 
short  time  ago,  to  visit  a  young  colt  that  had  lacerated  his  heai, 
breast,  and  fore-legs  in  a  most  shocking  manner,  in  making  an 
attempt  to  escape  through  a  window  from  the  horrors  of  confine- 
ment. His  companion?  were  about  a  dozen  cows,  more  calculated 
to  alarm  and  render  his  position  a  perilous  one  than  otherwise; 
and  the  impure  atmosphere,  rendered  sc  by  the  emanations  from 
the  excrements  and  from  the  lungs  of  his  companions,  was  a  source 
of  great  mischief.  Then,  who  can  blame  such  an  one  for  attempt- 
ing to  escape  and  regain  liberty  ?  If  strangles  should  appear  in 
such  a  subject,  it  would  not  be  surprising. 

Then,  again,  take  a  colt  from  its  mother,  whose  milk  contains 
all  the  elements  for  sustaining  life  and  developing  the  organization 
of  the  young  subject,  and  place  it  upon  a  diet  of  hay  or  like  innu- 
tritious  trash,  a  whole  truss  of  which  would  not  afford  one-half 
the  quantity  of  nutriment  contained  in  a  quart  of  its  mother's 
milk.  However  profitable  and  well-adapted  hay  may  be  for  stock 
of  mature  growth  and  powerful  digestive  organs,  it  is  a  sad  mis- 
take to  suppose  that  it  will  do  for  the  young.  A  case  of  this  kind 
cume  under  my  observation  last  year.  The  subject,  aged  two  and 
a  half  years,  died  in  a  state  of  marasmus  (a  gradual  wasting  of  the 
systen   without  any  ap})arent  disease).     A  post  moHem  examina- 


HORSK  MANAGEMENT,    ETC.  413 

tiDU  failed  to  detect  any  disease  other  than  general  emaciation. 
On  making  inquiries  concerning  the  food,  the  owner  replied,  "  The 
colt  has  been  fed  on  good  sweet  hay  and  corn-stalks  ever  since  it 
was  weaned."  This  was  capital  fcod  for  the  poor  tiling,  provided, 
however,  its  stomach  had  a  grist-mill  within  it;  otherwise,  it  waa 
hard  fare,  and  must  derange  the  digestive  function,  and,  ere  the 
eolt  has  attained  maturity,  dyspepsia,  in  either  a  mil  J  or  aggra- 
yatjil  form,  has  secured  a  victim. 

Mr.  Percfvall  has  defined  strangles  to  he  "a  diffusible  swell- 
ing under  the  jaw.  The  tumor  consists  in  a  circumscribed  inflam- 
mation, iiaving  all  the  characteristics  of  simple  phlegmon,  attack- 
ing the  subcutaneous  cellular  substance  included  between  the 
branches  of  the  jaw,  which,  in  consequence,  become  gradually 
filled  and  distended  with  eflftisions  of  lyraphy  and  serous  matters, 
acquires  a  firm  and  solid  feel,  tenderness  on  pressure,  and  a  s^nse 
of  unnatural  heat.  This  commonly  proceeds  to  suppuration,  end- 
ing, to  all  appearances,  in  a  common  submaxillary  abscess.  Now, 
this,  and  this  alone,  constitutes  strangles.  There  are  in  the  oooks 
a  variety  of  other  symptoms  described,  but  they  are  all  concomi- 
tant or  accidental,  none  but  these  being,  ])roperIy  S{)eaking,  essen- 
tial to  its  existence.  The  usual  concomitants  are,  membranous 
inflammation,  giving  rise  to  soreness  about  the  throat;  reddening 
and  discharge  at  the  nose,  and  perhaps  cough ;  tumefaction  of  the 
salivary  glands,  produciug  pain  and  difliculty  of  deglutition  ;  and, 
lastly,  some  slight  febrile  commotion  of  the  system." 

Contagiousness  of  Strangles. — We  learn  from  the  "  Veterina- 
rian ''  that  M.  Heynal,  clinical  professor  at  the  Alfort  School, 
submits  a  number  of  observations  corroborative  of  the  contacrioua 
character  of  strangles.  He  states  that  "  young  horses  having 
strangles,  and  put  into  stables  with  horses  of  adult  age,  doing 
their  duty,  have  communicated  the  disease  to  those  of  the  latter, 
who  have  «?tood  in  adjoining  stalls,  though  some  few  have  only 
exhibited  the  disease  in  a  catarrhal  form.  Even  the  fojil  has  been 
known  tt)  suck  the  disease  from  its  dam.  Moreover,  experiment 
has  been  had  recourse  to  to  inoculate  for  strangles.  ^I  Damalix 
smeared  with  a  sponge,  imjircgnated  with  matter  taken  from  the 
abscess  of  strangles,  twice  daily,  both  sides  of  the  pituitary  mem- 
brane and  the  internal  surfaces  of  the  linings  of  the  eyelids,  in  a 
sound  horse,  about  to  be  cast  for  spavin.  This  was  continued  foi 
5ieven  days.     On  the  eighth,  he  remarked  that  the  horgp  had  lose 


414  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 

his  appetite,  had  commenced  running  from  both  nostrils,  loucrhed 
softly  and  loosely,  and  had  swelling  under  the  jaw,  which  ended 
in  resolution,  all  the  symptoms  terminating  eight  days  from  their 
commencemer/fc. 

It  lias  been  remarked  that  strangles  is  more  surely  comniuui- 
cated  at  an  early  than  a  late  stage,  and  in  a  certain  form  mure 
readily  than  in  others.  Strangles  will  assume  the  herpetic  char- 
acter, simulate  farcy  and  glanders,  settle  in  the  mesenteric  glands, 
or  may  follow  castration.  In  regard  to  contagion,  may  be  men- 
tioned, as  most  readily  communicable,  that  form  of  strangles  whicli 
assumes  the  character  of  eruptions  on  the  lips,  nose,  and  pituitary 
m«?mbrane." 

Tlie  Tumor  of  Strangles  is  not  always  confined  to  the  subniny- 
illary  space,  as  will  be  observed  from  the  following  case,  w^hich 
occurred  in  the  author's  practice,  a  short  time  ago,  in  a  gray  mare. 
and  which  speedily  ran  to  a  fatal  termination.  The  subject  had 
previously  suffered  from  some  internal  disorder,  and,  on  recovery 
from  which,  did  not  appear  to  regain  its  usual  health,  but  re- 
mained in  an  unthrifty  condition.  A  few  days  before  our  atten- 
tion was  called  to  the  case,  a  turn  r  made  its  api)earance  on  the 
near  hip,  which  suppurated  and  discharged.  On  the  morniiig  of 
our  visit,  the  animal  had  been  attacked  with  abdominal  pain,  for 
which  remedies  had  been  prescribed.  They  not  ajipearing  to 
afford  relief,  the  owner  called  in  the  aid  of  some  person,  who  in- 
serted a  knife  into  the  mouth,  and  wounded  the  palatine  artery, 
from  which  the  blood  had  flowed  for  several  hours,  but  was  now 
arrested.  We  found  the  extremities  icy  cold,  and  the  j)ulse  very 
feeble.  The  eye  appeared  glassy,  mucous  surfoees  pale,  and  the 
lips  hanging  pendulous.  There  was  a  painful  tumor  on  the  near 
hind  leg,  close  to  the  stifle,  and  another  on  the  flank  of  the  same 
side.  The  animal  was  exceedingly  stiff  and  lame  in  the  hind  ex- 
tremities, and  appeared  to  be  failing  very  fast.  Considering  the 
case  a  hopeless  one,  we  merely  recommended  some  restorative  cor- 
dial and  a  few  quarts  of  gruel.  The  animal  died  in  the  course 
of  a  few  hours,  and  its  death,  no  doubt,  was  hastened  by  the  loss 
of  blood;  for,  as  the  owner  expressed  himself,  "the  horse  had 
some  life  in  him  before  being  bled,"  thereby  intimating  that  the 
abstraction  of  blood  deprived  him  of  that  life. 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  matter  can  be  detected  in  the  tumor  oi 
tbscess  beneath  the  jaw  it  should  be  laid  open.     This  will  libep- 


HORSE  Management,  eic.  416 

ate  a  quantity  of  pus.  The  orifice  thus  made  must  not  be  allowed 
to  close,  but  must  be  kept  open  for  a  few  days,  or  until  matter 
ceLses  to  run.  During  this  period,  a  liniment,  composed  of  cod- 
liver  oil,  half  a  pint,  and  powdered  camphor,  two  ounces,  must 
occasionally  be  rubbed  about  the  region  of  the  jaws.  Half  an 
ounce  of  powdered  chlorate  of  potass  should  be  mixed  in  the 
liink,  or  with  some  flaxseed  tea,  if  the  patient  will  drink  it.  A 
x>uple  of  drachms  of  fluid  extract  of  pleurisy-root  may  be  given, 
night  and  morning,  for  a  short  time.  Active  medicine  is  not 
indicated ;  good  nursing,  aided  by  pure  air  and  voluntary  exercise 
in  an  inclosiu-e,  will  soon  restore  the  patient  to  health. 

We  close  our  labors  in  Ihe  Equine  Depaetment  by  entering 
our  solemn  protest  against  the  unwarrantable  use  of  the  lancet  or 
knife  in  Veterinary  Piactice.  It  is  a  disgrace  to  humanity,  an 
outrage  on  the  rights  and  privileges  of  that  noble  animal,  the 
horse,  over  whom  God  has  given  us  dominion  and  power — not  to 
abuse  and  render  their  life  a  weary  toil,  and  extort  from  them  all 
the  labor  we  can,  but  to  protect  them,  to  administer  to  their  wants 
and  necessities,  and  render  their  conclition  as  happy  as  possible. 
A  moral  responsibility  rests  on  every  man  to  see  that  the  claims 
which  these  poor  creatures  have  upon  our  race  are  respected ;  that 
their  rights  are  not  violated ;  that,  when  sick  and  in  a  dying  con- 
dition, they  shall  be  treated  with  mercy,  and  be  protected  from 
their  tormentors,  the  unmerciful  phlebotomists.  Any  misguided 
man  who  can  draw  from  the  veins  of  an  emaciated  or  dying  horse 
the  little  blood  they  contain  should  be  sent  to  the  insane  asylum, 
and  never  again  be  permitted  to  disgrace  the  noble  nature  of  man. 
We  can  respect  the  man  who  conscientiously  practices  blood-let- 
ting; bit  where  is  the  medical  man  who  can  conscientiously  bleed 
■  dying  brute  with  a  view  of  saving  life? 


Sn)  OV   £QUINE   DEPABTMEBT. 


TABLES  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 


APOTHECARIES'  WEIGHTS. 

10  grains  make  one  scruple,  marked ^J. 

3  Bcmples      do.      drachm,      do gj. 

8  drachms      do.      ounce,        do Jj. 

12  ounces        do.      pound,        do Sfej. 


LIQUID  MEASUBES. 


%U  drops  make  one  drachm,  marked ....  ^. 

S  drachms      do.      ounce,        do ^. 

SO  ounces         do.      pint,  do (^. 

8  pints  do.      gallon,       do Cobk 


OBDINABY  MODES  OF  MEASUBINQ  LIQUIDS. 

A  tea-tpoonful  of  liquid  equals  60  drops,  or  one  drachm. 
A  tahle-tpoonful  of        do  ^  ounce,  or  four  drachms. 

A.  dettert-tpoonful  oi      do.         \%Q  dr(ypi,  ox  three  drachm*. 
A  wine-g^uss/ul  of  do.  1^  ounce*. 


The  doses  vary  in  quantity  in  different  animals.     The  amount  ti 
b9  given  in  any  case  will  be  found  clearly  stated  in  the  treatment  of 
mok  disease,  whether  of  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  or  hogs. 
416 


A  LIST  OF   FLUID   EXTRACTS, 

4  boently  introduced  into  veterinary  pbaotioa 

By  G.  H.  DADD,  v.  S., 

WITH  INSTRuCrriON  REGARDING  THEIR  ACTION,  AND 
THE  QUANTrrY  TO  BE  ADMINISTERED. 


THE  introduction  of  medicines,  in  the  form  of  FiiUiD  Ex- 
•rRACTS,  for  the  treatment  of  diseases  incidental  to  domestic 
animals  is  considered  a  very  great  improvement  over  the  old 
method  of  drenching  by  the  pint  or  quart,  to  the  great  disgust  of 
the  patient  as  well  as  the  practitioner,  and  the  great  danger  attend- 
ing the  administration  of  a  large  quanty  of  fluid  which  was  necea- 
eary  wh  3n  crude  materials  were  used.  In  the  use  of  fluid  extracts 
all  danjjer  ib  obviated  and  much  labor  saved,  for  the  doses  are 
quite  email,  rarely  exceeding  one  fluid  ounce.  This  can  be  merely 
placed  ofl  the  tongue,  the  animal's  head  being  slightly  elevated, 
and  he  sArallows  it  without  any  difficulty  or  resistance. 

The  fluid  extracts  bear  an  exact  relation  to  the  crude  materials— 
that  is,  ouQce  for  ounce — yet,  from  a  variety  of  circumstances,  they 
may  vary  slightly  from  this  standard.  It  is,  however,  the  inten- 
tion of  the  manufacturer  to  completely  exhaust  the  active  principle 
of  the  crude  material  and  render  the  medicine  uniform  in  strength. 
The  fluid  extracts  used  by  the  author  are  manufactured  by  Messrs. 
Garrison  .4  Co.,  manufacturing  chemists,  of  Chicago.  Tiiey  con- 
duct their  ev'aporations  at  a  very  low  toinperature,  by  means  of  an 
improved  st-^am  bath,  and  use  only  select  drugs,  thereby  prevent- 
mg  the  possibility  of  adulteration.  I  have  used  large  quantitiea 
of  medicine  n^nufactured  by  the  above-uained  firm,  and  find  them 
27  417 


ftlC  LADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

equal  if  not  superior  to  any  in  the  market;  therefore  I  do  not 
hesitate  to  recommend  them  as  efficient  and  reliable  me^lieines. 
Hit  doses  here  recommended  apply  to  both  horses  and  cattle. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Chamomilf 

(Anthemis  Nobilis.) 

This  is  a  valuable  tonic,  and  is  used  in  cases  of  derangement  of 
the  digestive  organs.     Dose,  from  two  to  four  drachms. 

Fluid  Extractt  of  Aunica. 

( Leopard  s-hmie. ) 

Amicai  is  chiefly  used  in  veterinary  practice  as  an  external  ap- 
plication in  the  treatment  of  wounds,  sprains,  and  bruises.  It  is 
prepared  as  follows : 

Fluid  extract  of  arnica 4  oi. 

Proof  spirits  (equal  parts  of  water  and  alcohoH ...   1  pint. 
Mix. 

Apply  a  portion  to  the  affected  part  two  or  three  times  daily. 
Fluid  Exi-ract  of  Wormwood. 

[Artemisia  Absinthium.) 

This  is  used  as  an  anthelmintic  for  the  expulsion  of  worms. 
The  dose  is  one  ounce  (fluid),  to  be  given  every  morning  for  a 
week,  just  before  feeding-time.     It  not  only  has  a  tendency  to  (    • 
pel  worms,  but  gives  tone  to  the  digestive  organs,  and  correci* 
morbid  appetite 

Fluid  Extract  of  Pleurisy  Root. 

(Asclepias  Tubtrosa.) 

This  is  used  in  pleurisy  and  irritable  sore  throat.  Dose,  four 
drachms,  night  and  morning.  The  powdered  root  enters  intc  thi 
oomposit;  m  of  some  of  the  most  celebrated  cough  powders. 

Fluid  Extract  of  ISIale  Fern. 

[Aspidium  Filix  Mas.) 

This  is  the  celebrated  remedy  for  the  treatment  of  tape-worm, 
which  is  sometimes  to  be  found  in  the  intestines  of  young    sits, 


LIST  OF  FLUID  EXTRACTS.  419 

Dose,  four  drachms,  to  be  given  every  morning,  on  an  empty 
itomach,  for  six  or  eight  successive  clays,  and  longer  if  neoeseary. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Buchu, 

(Barosma   Orenata.) 

This  is  used  exclusively  for  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the 
urinary  organs,  retention  of  the  urine,  and  for  the  treatment  of 
the  various  forms  of  dropsy.  Its  direct  action  is  diuretic,  yet  it 
also  gives  tone  to  the  parts  on  which  it  acts.  Dose,  from  four  to 
eight  drachms.  Should  an  animal  be  suffering  from  retention  of 
the  urine,  the  diuretic  action  of  the  buchu  may  be  augmented  by 
adding  to  it  a  small  quantity  (equal  parts)  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter. 
For  the  treatment  of  spasm  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  add  to  the 
dose  of  buchu  an  equal  quantity  of  tincture  of  assafetida. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Indian  Hemp  (Foreign). 

( Cannabis  Indicus  Sativus.) 

rhis  medicine  acts  as  a  narcotic  and  antispasmodic.  Its  use  ia 
indicated  in  all  diseases  attended  with  pain  and  restlessness,  but  is 
chiefly  used  for  the  treatment  of  tetanus  or  lockcd-jaw.  Doee, 
two  drachms,  to  be  repeated  as  occasion  may  require. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Prince's  Pine. 

(„Piptmewa.) 

Prince's  pine  is  a  very  excellent  tonic  and  diuretic  in  chronic 
diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  and  has  been  used  with  much  suo- 
cess  in  cases  of  local  dropsy  of  the  limbs,  known  as  swelled  legs. 
Dose,  from  four  to  six  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Black  Snakeroot. 

( Cimici/uga  Racemota.) 

This  extract  is  considered  a  valuable  agent  for  the  treatment  of 
gpasmodic  affections,  which  arise  in  consequence  of  derangement 
of  some  portion  of  the  nervous  system.  It  is  an  efficient  remedy 
in  hysteria. 


420  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surgery. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Colchicum. 

(Colehicum  Autumnale.) 

This  extract  is  prepared  from  the  roots  and  seeds  of  the  plaut 
It  is  celebrated  for  the  treatment  of  rheumatism,  inflammatory 
diseases  of  the  joints,  and  inter-articular  lameness.  Dose^  oim 
drachm,  two  or  three  times  per  day. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Yellow  Jessamine. 

(GeUeminum  Sempervirens.) 

This  agent  is  u^d  as  a  sedative  in  the  treatment  of  pleurisy  and 
pnenmonia  in  the  early  or  acute  stage.  It  is  also  a  powerful  febri- 
fhge,  hence  it  is  indicated  in  all  acute  fevers.  It  entirely  di** 
penses  with  use  of  the  fleam.     Dose,  from  one,  to  three  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Witch  hazel. 

(Hamamelit  Virginica.) 

Witch-hazel  is  used  as  a  local  astring^^ot  in  the  treatment  of 
**  bog  and  blood  spavin."     It  is  prepared  for  use  as  follows : 


Fluid  extract  of  witch-hazel 6  OB. 

Proof  spirits 1  pint. 

Mix. 

Apply  a  portion  twice  daily. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Hops. 

{Humulus  Lupulus.) 

This  preparation  of  hops  is  used  as  a  tonic  in  general  debility, 
ftnd  as  a  narcotic  in  diseases  of  the  nervous  system.  It  is  a  relia- 
ble remedy  to  induce  sleep  and  relieve  pain.  Dose,  from  two  to 
four  drachms,  to  be  repeated  as  occasion  seems  to  require. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Golden  Seal. 

(Jlydrastis  Canadensis.) 

The  golden  seal  is  a  pure  tonic,  and  its  use  is  indicated  in  aU 
cases  of  debility,  loss  of  appetite,  derangement  of  the  digestive 
organs,  and  torpidity  of  the  liver.  Dose,  from  two  to  foar 
drachms. 


list  of  fluid  exitiacts.  421 

Fluid  Extract  op  Sassafras. 

All  the  preparations  of  sassafras  are  more  or  ies?  alterative. 
The  fluid  extract  is  used  in  view  of  purifying  the  blood  in  diseaaei 
of  the  skin,  and  in  cases  of  chronic  rheumatism.  Dose,  from  fooi 
to  six  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Culver's  Root. 

{Leptandra  Virffiniea.) 

This  is  employed,  in  the  author's  practice,  as  a  substitute  fa 
Oftlomel,  in  the  treatment  of  acute  and  chronic  diseases  of  the  liver. 
Dose,  from  two  to  four  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Lobelia. 

Lobelia  is  a  very  valuable  antispasmodic,  and  is  useful  in  dis- 
eases of  a  spasmodic  character.  The  author  has  used  it,  with  great 
■OOMM,  in  obstinate  cases  of  spasmodic  colic.    Dose,  two  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Bayberry. 

[Mi/rica  Ceri/era.) 

Bayberry  is  successfully  used  as  a  stimulant  and  astringent  is 
scours,  diarrhea,  and  super-purgation.  Dose,  two  drachms,  to  be 
administered  in  a  small  quantity  of  milk  porridge. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Poppy-heads. 

(Papaver  Somn\ferium.) 

This  is  used  as  a  narcotic,  in  all  cases  that  seem  to  require  thf 
exhibition  of  opium.  It  mitigates  pain,  induces  sleep  and  rest 
and  is  much  safer  than  cnide  opium.  Dose,  fram  two  to  fi» 
drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Poke- root. 

[Phytolacca  Decandra.) 

T^is  is  used  as  an  alterative  in  a  disease  occurring  among  cows, 
known  aa  "garget,"  or  "caked  udder."  Doee,  from  two  to  foai 
drachma. 


422  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  and  surgery. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Matico. 

{Piper  Angustifolium.) 

Tbifl  is  used  as  a  styptic  to  bleeding  Avounds,  internal  hem<»' 
rhages,  and  chronic  diarrhea.     Dose,  from  four  to  eight  diacLms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Cubebs. 

This  is  a  very  valuable  agent  for  the  treatment  of  leucorrhea, 
gleet,  nasal  gleet,  or  discharges  from  mucous  surfaces.  Dose,  from 
three  to  six  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Black  Peppeb. 

[Piper  Nigrum.) 

This  is  a  carminative  and  stimulant  to  the  digestive  organs, 
and  is  often  used  successfully  in  the  treatment  of  stomach  stag- 
gers.    Dose,  from  two  to  four  drachms 

Fluid  Exiraci  of  IMa^  drake. 

[Podophyllum  Peltatum.) 

Mandrake  is  now  used  as  a  laxative  and  cathartic,  in  lieu  oi 
aloes.  About  one  ounce  will  usually  purge  a  horse,  if  followed 
np  by  sloppy  bran-mashes. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Bloodroot. 

[Sanguinaria  Canadensis.) 

This  is  used  as  an  escharotic  in  the  treatment  of  foul  ulceri, 
and  fungus  growths.  It  is  used,  also,  as  a  gargle  in  suppurative 
laryngitis,  croup,  putrid  sore  throat,  etc.  The  gargle  is  prepared 
as  follows: 

Fluid  extract  of  bloodroot 4  oz. 

Vinegar 1  pt. 

Mix. 

It  is  applied  to  the  mouth  and  throat  by  means  of  a  enpocge, 
affixed  to  a  piece  of  rattan  or  whalebone. 


list  of  fluid  extracts.  423 

Fluid  Extract  of  Valerian. 

(  Valerian  Officinalit.) 

This  is  a  very  useful  antispasmodic,  and  its  use  is  indicated  in 
all  cases  marked  by  irregular  nervous  action  and  hysterical  afieo- 
dons.     Dose,  four  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Ginger. 

(Zinziberis  Officinalit.) 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  difiiisiblc 
stimulants  to  be  found  in  the  whole  materia  medica.  The  Ja- 
maica ginger  is  preferable  to  any  other ;  it  is  used  in  cases  of  indi- 
gestion, flatulency,  etc.     Dose,  from  three  to  six  drachms. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Ginger  enters  into  the  composition  of  the  cele- 
brated colic  drench,  used  by  the  author  of  this  work  and  hii 
students,  during  a  period  of  twenty-five  years,  with  marked  suc- 
cess.    The  fqllowing  is  the  formula : 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger |  ^^^^ j  j^  ^^^ 

Fluid  extract  of  golden  seal. .  j 

Hyposulphite  of  soda.  '. 6  oi. 

Dose,  four  ounces  (fluid)  every  four  hours,  until  relief  is  ol^ 
tained. 

Remedy  for  Wounds. 

Apply  a  compress  of  several  folds  of  cotton  cloth,  soaked  in  it 
portion  of  the  following : 

Balsam  fir 1   lb. 

Hyposulphite  of  soda 2  oi. 

Proof  spirit 1   pt. 

Mix. 

Remedy  for  Tedious  Lahor. 

The  natural  labor-pains  may  be  excited  by  adrainidtenng: 
fluid  extract  of  ergot  (ergota),  two  draclims,  every  lAlf  hour, 
until  delivery  is  accomplished.  The  ergot  operates  ^vith  great 
energy  upon  the  contractile  function  of  the  uterus,  of  both  mares 
and  cows,  and  to  a  certain  extent  prevents  inordinate  hemorrhage 
after  parturition. 


1-M  DADirS  VETRRINARY   MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


Eemedy  for  Hemorrhage  in  Performing  Operatiokb. 

Apply,  by  means  of  a  compress  of  linen  or  sponge,  a  small 
qaantity  of  persulphite  of  iron.  This  is  the  most  valuable  styptw 
known  to  veterinary  science. 

Fluid  Extract  of  Aconite. 

(AconJtum  Napellua — Monk's-hood.) 

This  medicine  is  used  as  a  very  powerful  sedative  and  narcoiio, 
in  all  cases  of  active  or  inflammatory  disease  of  the  lungs  or  brain 
It  is  highly  recommended  by  the  professors  of  our  art  as  a  reliable 
antiphlogistic  in  the  treatment  of  acute  affections.  The  dose  ia 
from  ten  to  twenty  drops.  This  medicine  is  said  to  be  very  effi- 
cacious in  inflammatory  rheumatism,  and  as  a  fine  topical  remedy 
in  localized  painful  affections,  such  as  laminitis,  myalgia,  etc. 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda. 

The  hyposulphite  of  soda  is  useful  in  all  kinds  of  diseases  known 
as  rinderpest,  pleuro-pneumonia,  typhoid  affections,  and  in  en- 
eootic  affections,  and  in  all  diseases  caused  by  fermentation  in  the 
blood,  such  as  Texas  fever,  malignant  scarlet  fever,  typhus,  eta 
The  hyposulphite  of  soda  can  be  used  with  great  success  in  the 
treatment  of  the  above  and  other  affections  of  an  enzootic  origin, 
yet  I  have  found  it  more  efficacious  and  reliable  when  prepared 
as  follows: 

Hyposulphite  of  soda ") 

Hypophosphate  of  lime...  >  each 1  oi. 

Hypophosphate  of  potass.,  j 

Fluid  extract  of  ginger 2  01. 

Sugar  of  milk 1  oi 

Proof  spirit 1  pi 

Dose,  two  ounces,  two  or  three  times  daily. 


'^'W^ 

w/Qf^:<£!^i 

^^ 

^^^^: 

A  GUIDE  TO  DIAGNOSIS; 


COMPLETE   INDEX   OF   SYMPTOMS 


The  following  Index  of  Symptoms  is  arranged  under  four  heads, 
viz. :  Diseases  of  Horses  ;  Diseases  of  Cattle  ;  Diseases 
or  Sheep;  Diseases  of  Swine.  Each  part  is  arranged  alpha- 
betically, so  that  ready  reference  can  be  made  to  any  symptom. 


now  TO  USE  THIS  INDEX. 

Animals  when  taken  sick,  not  having  the  power  of  speech,  can 
not  make  known  the  seat  of  their  disease,  except  by  certain  signs 
rsr  invariable  symptoms.  It  therefore  becomes  of  the  highest  im- 
I'Ortance  to  be  able  to  understand  tlie  niiite  language  of  the  poor 
dumb  brute,  and  thus  to  fiud  out  what  ails  him,  in  order  that  the 
proper  means  of  cure  may  be  speedily  made  use  of. 

An  instance  of  the  use  to  be  made  of  this  Index  may  be  foun  1 
in  the  following  case :  "A  horse  is  noticed  to  breathe  faster  than 
usual,  with  evident  pain;  back,  arched;  legs,  straddling;  head 
often  turned  toward  the  loins ;  urine,  reddened  and  scanty."  Now, 
a  reference  to  these  symptoms,  as  arranged  alphabetically,  enables 
as  to  turn  directly  to  page  223,  where  "Inflammation  of  the  Kid- 
neys" is  seen  to  be  the  disease  we  are  looking  for. 

The  same  thing  can  be  done  in  case  a  cow,  sheej),  or  hog  be  the 
rictims  of  disease. 

In  observing  symptoms,  attention  should   be  directed  to  tb« 

425 


426  DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

various  parts  of  the  body  of  the  animal  which  give  the  earliest 
warnings  of  disease.     These  are,  usually, 

The  Eyes,  Tongue,  IMuzzle,  Throat,  Pulse,  Chest,  Heakt, 
Bkeath,  Bheatuing  ;  Discharges  from  the  Mouth  ;  Dis- 
charges FROM  the  Nostrils;  The  Skin,  The  Coat,  The 
Back,  The  Attitude,  and  General  ArPEAiiANCE  or  the 
y^Bo  jE  Body. 


EQUINE  DEPARTMENT. 

FAS  Be 

Abdomeu,  distended  with  gas 188 

do.         pressure  on,  produces  pain 198,  201 

Acute  rheumatism. 333 

"  All  in  a  heap  " 350 

Anus,  scurfy,  yellow  accumulation  around  margin  of 220 

Anxiety 124 

Appetite,  little ' 289 

do.       loss  of 116,  12-J,  201,  20H,  223 

Back,  arched , 223,  332 

Back,  muscles  of,  rigid 73 

Back,  roached .  •>   350 

Belching,  continually 183,  188 

Belly,  ccld  sweat  on 112 

do.      dropsical  swellings  under 120,  397 

do.      striking  of. 1 93 

do.      suddenly  very  much  bloated 187 

do.      pressure  on  causes  pain 201,  198 

do.      "  tucked  "up 74,  193 

Blood  from  bowele  297 

Body,  becomes  thin 299 

do.    cold 94,  112 

do.    covered  with  cold  sweat 187,  1  bd 

^Jowols,  bloody,  fetid  discharge  from Hi 

do.      blood  from,  caused  by  straining 205 

do.       inactive 198 

d'j.      constipated... <    332 

do.       irregular.  ...• < 220 

Breath,  hot  and  offensive 239 

do.      smells  badly 208 

Wreathing,  grunting .- 61 ,  62,  64 

do.         labored  and  quick •••   181 


A  GUIDE  TO  LIAGNOSIS.  427 

TkCJtt 

Breathing,  quick  and  grunting ....,....,.,...    120 

do.         quick  and  painful 223 

do.         oppressed  and  slow 63,  206 

do.        excited 78 

do.         oppressed  and  noisy 94,  17i> 

dc  croupy 97 

do.         difficult 101,183 

do.         labored ,    116 

Chest,  pressure  on  side  of,  gives  pain 120,  332 

do.      dropsical  swellings  under 120 

do.      tinkling  sound  in,  when  ear  is  held  close  tc  .......,.<< .    124 

Chewing  performed  slowly 75 

Coat,  staring 206 

do.     rough  and  unthrifty 220,  275 

Convulsions 62 

Coughing,  spasmodic 94 

do.         and  laborious  breathing 108 

do.         deep-seated  and  half  suppressed 116 

Cough,  dry  and  hacking 220 

Cramp  of  the  mui^cles 70 

D&rkne.ss,  preferred • 75 

Delirium 78 

Drowsiness • 62 

Dung,  unusually  dark-colored  and  hard 99 

do.      scanty 120 

do.      covered  with  yellow  slime 220 

do.      bloody 297 

Ears  kept  in  constant  motion,  one  forward  the  other  backward. . .     43 

do    tips  of,  cold ''",  208 

do.   cold 1S3 

Excretions,  diminished • 63 

Extremities,  cold 9  J <  116.  208 

do.  dropsy  of '  ' ' 

Eye,  tenderness  in  one,  with  eyelids  closed 56 

do.   copious  flow  of  tears  from 56 

do.    white  of,  slightly  red oS 

do.    anterior  chamber  of,  full  oi  yellow  matter 56 

do.   pupil  ofrdilated 59,  61,  64,  1 79 

do.   staring  wildly ^•^»  ^  *^6 

do.       do.     as  if  they  would  burst  from  sockets 67 

do.   bloodshot 179 

BysB,  squinting  apoearance  of. 73 


4i^8  DADDS  VETEHINABY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 

matt 

Kyes,  dull 75 

do.     prominent 97 

do.     glassy  and  prominent 187 

do.    dropsical 397 

Eyelids  kept  closed 46 

do.      swollen 49 

do.      internal  surface  of,  red 46,  59,  201 

do       profuse  discharge  of  matter  from 55 

do.      closed,  with  tenderness  in  one  eye. 56 

do.      half  shut 75 

do.      lining  of,  white 206 

do.  do.    bright  yellow 212 

Face,  swelling  of. 297,  397 

Falling  down  suddenly  on  the  road 64 

do.  do.  with  a  loud  snorting  sound 67 

Fear  and  restlessness  on  approach  of  heavy  vehicle 43 

Feeling,  loss  of 64 

Feed  refused 178,  223 

Feet,  fore  ones  raised  to  an  unnecessary  height  in  walking 43 

do.    raised  very  high 75 

do.     pawing  with  fore 190 

do.    fore  ones  hot  and  thrown  forward 332 

do.    fore  ones  thrown  forward 350 

Feverish  symptoms 158,  198 

Flanks,  bedewed  with  cold  perspiration 97,  112 

do.       heaving  at  the 116,  125 

do.       head  turned  toward 12*0 

do .       tucked  up 3[<0 

Flesh,  quivering Bl*0 

Flesh,  loss  of 2JIS 

Foaming  at  the  mouth (;7 

Food,  no  desire  for 178,  223 

Foot,  pointing  of. 330,  342 

Vore-legs  widely  separated 116 

do.        beneath  the  belly 75 

do.        in  the  manger,  kicking  and  tearing 78 

Gait,  heavy,  slow,  and  unsteady 75,  289 

do.    short,  tripping,  and  cautious 330 

Groaning  after  passing  urine 224 

Gums,  covered  with  slime 112 

Hair,  falls  off  in  patches 275 

do.         do.     in  circular  patches  on  shoulders  and  sides.* ......  291 


A  GUIDE  TO  DIAGNOSIS  429 

PAon 

Sair  of  neck  and  legs  elevated  in  blotches 289 

do.   rongli,  unthrifty,  and  not  glossy 275,  299 

Baw,  swollen 46 

do.    shooting  above,  on  raising  the  jaw 70 

Head,  depressed  and  bent  to  one  side 59 

do.     hanging  down • 183 

do.     held  drooping 116,  208 

do.     kep4  elevated • 43 

do      kept  near  the  ground 179 

do.     reposing  on  the  manger 62 

do.     swollen  and  dropsical 397 

do.     tossed  backward 61 

do.     turning  of  to  the  sides 120 

do.     turned  to  the  belly 179 

do.     turned  toward  flanks 190,  223 

do.     violently  thrust  against  the  rack  or  wall 62 

Health,  general,  slightly  impaired 158 

Heart,  violent  beating  of 206 

Heaviness  and  indolence  following  suddenly  on  activity 76 

Heels,  dry,  horny  scabs  on 284 

do.      pinched  in 330 

do.      ulcers  on 284 

Hind  limbs  become  suddenly  too  weak  to  support  the  body 66 

Hock,  enlargement  at  point  of 322 

do.            do.          on  inside  of. 323 

Hock-joint,  stiffness  of 371 

1  tching,  severe 291 

J  aw,  swelling  under 412 

Jugular  veins  congested 124 

do.        do.  pulsate  like  an  artery • 124 

Lameness  in  hind  leg • « 370 

Legs,  cold • 183 

do.     hind,  dropsical 120 

do.      do.     swollen 158 

do.      do.     widely  separated •  224 

do.     straddling • • 223 

do.     tremble 2t)6 

Lethargy < 59 

Limbs,  cold • 97 

do.     swellings  on « 297 

do.     violently  convulsed .•• 67 

LipB,  swelling  of .  •  297 


430  DADD'S  VETERKIARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGEBY. 

PAQW 

Listlessness •  20^ 

Loins,  pressure  on  causes  pain  and  crouching 223 

Look,  fixed  and  stupid 75 

Lying  down  and  soon  rising 112   178 

Motion,  loss  of. 64 

do.      tremulous  of  various  parts  of  the  body &^ 

do.      unwillingness  of 11^ 

Mouth,  bright  yellow  color  of  lining  of '.....  212 

do.     cold 124 

do.     dried  up HI 

do.     dry  and  clammy 75 

do.     foaming  at 67,  162 

do.     hot  and  clammy 116 

do.     hot  and  dry 201 

do.     membranes  of,  pale 397 

do.     yellow  tinge  on  the  inside  surface  of 99 

Movement,  stiff 333 

Neck,  blotches  on,  after  being  driven. 287 

do.     cold  sweats  on 112 

do.     muscles  of,  rigid 73 

do.     tumor  or  swelling  on  nape  of 293 

Nose,  bleeding  from 112 

do.    gluey  matter  from 156 

do.     lining  of,  pale • 397 

Nostrils,  dilated 97 

do.      discharge  from,  streaked  with  blood 97 

do.      mucous  discharge  from 102 

do.      redness  of  lining  membranes  of. HI 

do.      scarlet  blotches  in 289 

Pawing  with  fore-feet 63 

da  do.    .       slightly 198 

Perspiration,  profuse • 78,  179 

do.  do.     and  chilly 183 

Pulse,  active   • 360 

do.     feeble 188 

do.      full,  strong,  and  frequent 111,183 

do.      hard  and  quickened 223 

do.      nearly  gone 94 

do.      quick  and  oppressed •  • «    -78 

do.      blow  and  sluggish • 63 

do.      small  and  quick 158 

do.      small  and  thready Wi  18' 


A  aUIDE  TO  DIAGNOSIS.  431 

nan 

PuIbo,  auoaturally  strong &i 

do.      variable 116 

do.      wiry 74,120 

Reeling  and  falling,  on  being  urged  to  move 69 

Respiration  quick  and  jerking 350 

Restlessness 178,  201 

Rolling.   190,205 

Rolling  and  tumbling 179,  183 

Rubbing,  constant. .••  275 

Shivering  fit,  followed  by  dischargo  from  nostrils 108 

do.       do.slight 116,198 

Shoulder,  wasting  of. 324,  330 

Bides,  blotches  on,  after  being  driven 287 

Skin,  coldness  of 124 

do.    hot 201 

Sleep,  deep  and  snoring 64 

Sleepiness 59,62,75,212 

do.       with  general  fever 78 

Stamping  and  pawing  continually 193,  206 

"  Star-gazing  " 43 

Steps,  short  and  slow 332 

Stomach,  pain  in 178 

Strength,  much  reduced 178 

Swallow,  loss  of  power  to 64 

Sweating,  cold 178 

^  do.       profuse 78 

Tail,  elevated  and  quivering 179 

do.   great  inclination  to  rub  against  posts  and  fences 220 

Tears,  excessive  flow  of ^6 

Thighs,  corded  swellings  on  inside  of 158 

Teeth,  covered  with  slime. 112 

Thirst,  great ••  120,  223,  289 

Throat,  sore ^^^ 

Toes,  walking  on 342 

Tongue,  foul '^^ 

do.        has  a  horny  feel,  and  turns  brown ...   li^ 

do.       livid 94,  187 

do.       leaden  colored -    1^^ 

do.       of  a  bluish  cast 205 

do.       slightly  coated 99,198,208 

Torpor ^^ 

Tottering  and  dropping  down 205 


432  DADO'S  VETERmABT  MEDICINE  AND  SUROEBY. 

rACM 

rnming,  awk  t^rardness  in 76 

Unconsciousness » 61 

UnsteadinesH  in  moving 61,  208 

Urine,  of  a  dark  yellow  color 99 

do.    high  colored , 120,  332 

do.     scanty 208 

do.      do.    and  red 223 

do.    frequent  and  painful  discharge  of 224 

do.     light  colored,  almost  transparent • 230 

do.     has  the  smell  of  musty  hay 230 

do.    bloody 237,297 

Vomit,  continued  efforts  to ..«.<...> 183 

Vomiting,  from  both  nostrils 187 

Walking,  leaning  to  one  side  in • 76 

Windpipe,  r&ttling  sound  in • Ill 

Wind,  froB  the  bowels 199,  l&C 


GLOSSARY 


or 


MEDICAL  AND  SCIENTIFIC  TERMS. 


ASHOSMAL — Irregular. 

Abborbents — Medicines  used  for  absorbing ;  also  the  iraweli  of  ttf 

body  whicb  suck  up. 
AoxTTK — Sharp,  severe. 
Adipose — Fatty. 
Adynamic — Debilitated. 
Alae — Wings. 

Alteratives — Medicines  which  change  a  disease  for  tha  bette. 
Anasarca — Dropsy  of  cellular  membrane. 
Anasarcous — Dropsical. 
Anemia — Bloodlessness. 

Antiseptics — Medicines  opposed  to  putrefaotioa. 
Antispasmodics — Remedies  opposed  to  spasms  or  oofiTaliidMi 
AjiTiPHLoaiSTic — Opposed  to  inflammation. 
Aperients — Medicines  which  open  the  bowels  gentlj. 
Aqueous — Watery. 
Ascites — Dropsy  of  the  belly. 
Ataxic — Disordered. 

Auscultation — Examination  by  sonnding  and  listtaiig. 
Autopsy — Post-mortem  examination. 

BnruBCATiON — Division  into  two  branohet. 

Bolus — A  large  pill. 

BucoAL  Membrane — The  lining  of  the  moBtL 

Cabthus — Corner  of  the  eye. 
Oapsule — Shell  or  case. 

28  «» 


434  dadd's  veterinary  medicine  axd  surgery. 

Carbonaceous — Containing  carbon. 

Carmixatiyes — Medicines  which  relieve  pain  by  expelling  wind 

from  the  bowels. 
Cartilaginous — Composed  of  cartilage. 
Cathartic — Loosening. 
Celluar — Cell-like. 
Cerebellum — The  brain. 

Cerebrum — The  brain.  » 

Chancrous — Cancerous. 
Clinical — Relating  to  individual  practice. 
Coma  -Stupor. 
Comatose — Stupefied. 
Conjunctival    Membrane— The   membrane   which    lines  tht 

eyelids  and  covers  the  eyeball. 
Cornea — Transparent  coat  of  the  eye. 
Cranial — Pertaining  to  the  skull. 
Cranium — Skull. 
CRUCiAL^Shaped  like  a  cross. 

Decarbonize— To  purify  by  air. 

Diagnosis — The  art  of  telling  the  nature  of  diseases. 

Diaphoretics — Medicines  which  promote  perspiration. 

Diathesis— Predisposition  to  certain  diseases. 

Dietetics — Regulation  of  diet. 

Diuretics— Medicines  which  increase  the  flow  of  urine. 

Duct — Canal. 

Dynamic — Relating  to  the  vital  forces. 

Emollients — Substances  used  to  reduce  inflammations. 
Emphysema — Distention  by  gas  or  wind  of  certain  portions  of  th/8 

body. 
Emunctories — Organs  which  carry  off  waste  matters. 
Encephalon— The  brain. 
Enema — Injection. 

Enzootic— Endemic  diseases  among  animals. 
Epizootic — Epidemic  among  animals. 
Equilibrium — Balance. 
Es^iNE— Relating  to  the  horse. 
Etiology — The  doctrine  of  the  causes  of  disorders. 
ExcRKM  ENTiTious — Useless. 

Excretory — Relating  to  vessels  which  throw  off  useless  matter. 
Extravasation — Escape  of  a  fluid  of  the  body  from  its  vessel 

into  surrounding  parts. 


GLOSSARY  OF  MEDICAL  AND  SCIENTIFIC  T£KM& 
fixiTDATiON — Oozing  throueb  a  membrane. 

Fauces — The  throat. 
Fleam — Usea  lu  biteJinjs. 

Gbaminivorous — Feeding  ou  grafls. 

HxMATOSiNE — The  red  coloring  matter  of  the  bi*«>A 

Hemorrhage — Bleeding. 
HiPPiATRic — Relating  io  diseases  of  the  horse. 
HiSTOLOOT — General  anatomy. 
HyDROCEPDALUs — Water  in  thfc  bead. 
Hygiene — Preservation  of  health. 

Ichorous — Humoi_y . 
Idiopathic — Primary  aflfections. 
Idiosyncrasy — Peculiarity  of  oonstitation.    . 
Int>t7pated — Hardened. 
Ikguinal — Belonging  to  the  groin. 
Intercostal — Between  the  ribs. 
Inunction — The  act  of  rubbing  in. 

Lachrymal  Glands — Those  which  Beorete  taarv. 

Lancinating — "  Shooting." 

Laxatives — Loosening  medicines. 

Lesion — Disorder. 

IiiOAMENT--The  substance  which  joins  bonoe  togetkM. 

SlAMMiE — Breasts. 

Masseters — Muscles  of  the  jaws. 

Morbid — Diseased. 

Morbific — Producing  disease 

Navicular — One  of  the  bones  of  the  foot. 

N euro-pathology — The  nervous  system  in  ditOMtt 

Nodulous — Like  a  knot. 

Nosology — Classification  of  diseases. 

(Edematous — Swollen. 
Opaque — Not  transparent. 
Os  CALCis — Bone  of  the  heeL 
Osseous — Bony 
Ovoid — In  form  of  an  eyj. 


436         dadd's  yeterixaky  medicine  axd  surgert. 

Palatixe — Kelating  to  the  palate. 

Paxzootto — All  epidemic  affecting  animals  generally. 

Parasite— An  animal  which  lives  on  another. 

Parotid — Largest  salivary  gland. 

Pathology — The  stndy  of  the  body  in  disease. 

Pedicle — Xarrow  part  of  a  tumor. 

Petechial — Resembling  flea-bites. 

Phthisis — Wasting  away. 

Pituitary  Membraxe — Lining  of  the  nostrils. 

Pseudo-membrax^ous — Relating  to  false  membranes. 

Pus — Matter. 

Pylorus— Entrance  into  intestines. 

Rale — A  watery  sound  heard  in  sounding  the  chest  in  some  diseaseau 

Sax'ative — Heakh-giving. 

Schx'eideriax  Mem'bra-ME — The  lining  of  the  nostrils. 

Sebaceous — Of  the  nature  of  suet. 

Sedatives — Medicines  which  produce  sleep. 

S  EROUS — Watery. 

Serum — Watery  part  of  the  blood. 

SoLVEXT — That  which  dissolves. 

Sporadic — Scattered. 

Submaxillary — Beneath  the  jaw. 

SudAxMIXA — Small  eruptions. 

Supra-rexal— Above  the  kidney. 

Thoracic — Relating  to  the  chest. 

Thyroid — Slia2:>ed  like  a  folding  door. 

Toxics — Medicines  which  give  tone  and  strength  to  the  body. 

Tubercular — Relating  to  tumors  in  the  structure  of  an  organ. 

TuMEFACTiox — Swelling. 

Turbixated  Boxes— Bones  of  the  nose  shaped  like  a  top. 

TuRGESCEXCE — Great  amount  of  humors  in  any  part. 

Vascular — Full  of  blood-vessels. 

Vextricle — Cavity. 

Virus — Poison. 

Vis  a  froxte— Force  from  the  front. 

Vis  a  tergo — Force  of  propulsion. 

Viscous— Sticky. 

Voic  E-Box — Larynx. 


INDEX. 


A  PAOKS 

iadomen  distended  with  Qss 188 

ao.        dropsy  of 199 

Abaominal  oavity,  wounds  of 206 

Aljacess  within  the  substance  of  the 

brain 58 

Absorbents,  disease  of 156 

Abstraction  of  blood 268 

Acute  cougli 99 

Acute  disease  of  the  laminee  of  the 

foot 350 

Acute  disease  of  the  eye 46 

Aout'i  rheumatism 333 

Acute  and  general  disease  of  the 
brain,  known  as  encephali- 
tis   "<■) 

Ailvantnges  of  in-and-in  breeding.  316 

Attections,  typUoid 110 

Age  of  horse,  as  l^nown  by  his  teeth.  127 

Albuminous  urine 235 

Amaurosis 40 

Amputations 260 

Amputation  cf  the  penis 261 

Ananmia    397 

Analysis  of  the  blood  in  glanders.  25 

Atatomy  of  the  lung^ 90 

Anatomy  ami  physiology,  impor- 
tance ofstudying 315 

Anatomy  of  the  luil 394 

Animal?  become  parents  too  early.  312 

Apoplexy,  cerebral 64 

Apoplexy  of  the  spine 65 

Apoplexy  of  the  spleen..  206 


rkmM 

Artereotomy 268 

Ascites,  or  abdominal  dropsy 198 

Atrophy,  or  wasting  of  muscles  in 
the  region  of  the  shoulder- 
blade 824 

B 

Back,  galled 400 

Big  head  and  big  jaw 362 

lUiidder,  inflammation  of 224 

do.        stone  in 224 

do.        rupture  of 232 

Bleeding,  various  modes  of. 268 

Blistering 263 

Blootly  urine 237 

Blood,  the  quantity  found  in  the 

body 402 

Blood,  its  transfusion 404 

Bog  spavin 328 

Bone,  removing  tumor  from 268 

Bots.  stomachic  and  hemorrhoidal.  164 

Bowed  legs J»8) 

I'rain,  abscess  within  its  substance.  5t5 

do.    diseases  of bb 

do.    dropsy  of 40 

do.    inflammation  of. .'ff 

Breeding,  and  the  principles  of  the 

same W/.^ 

do.           in-and-in 301 

Brief  exposition  of  the  function  of 

the  lungs 88 

Bronchocele 10# 

437 


438 


DADD'S  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


C  PA0E8 

Capped  hock 322 

Carbuncular  Fever... 206 

Case  ot  laryngitis  in  Patchen  colt.     94 

Case  of  croup 97 

Case  of  pleurisy  and  dropsy  of  the 

chest 120 

Case  of  meteorization 186 

Ci«tiQg,  mode  of 241 

Castration 243 

do.         by  cauterijation 245 

do.         the  French  method 249 

do.        by  ligature 251 

Cataract 45 

Catarrh,  epiiootic 106 

Causes  of  disease 19 

Cerebral  hemorrhage 64 

Chabert  on  polypus 102 

Chest  Founder '^33 

Chords 335 

Chorea,  equine 81 

Chronic  rheumatism 336 

Circulation  of  the  lieart 401 

do.         experiments  on  its  ra- 
pidity   403 

Colic,   flatulent 189 

do.      spasmodic 193 

do.      treated  by  inhalation 19^5 

Composition    of   the    blood    of    a 

healthy  horse 25 

Composition  of  the  blood  glandered     25 

ConditioE  out  of. 299 

CongeniiA.  glanders 24 

Contagiousness  of  glanders 151 

do  of  strangles 413 

Contraction  of  the  hoof 344 

Coperaan  on  treatment  of  inflam- 
mation      47 

Copeman  on  meningitis 80 

Cornea,  opacity  of 44 

Corns.    384 

Cough,   in   its  chronic  and  acute 

Btage 99 

Cioup,  (cynanche  trachealis)....         95 

Curry-comb,  use  and  abuse  of o97 

Curbs 319 

Curing  diseases,  the  best  method  of.     26 
Curvation  and  disease  of  the  spine.  361 

Cynanche  trachealis 95 

Cystitis 224 


D  Plan 

Death  of  a  horse  from  ruptured 

stomach 178 

Dentition 12T 

Diabetes 22« 

Diet ,   18B 

do.  changes  in,  recommended-..., ■   *4) 

Digestive  organs,  disease  of 160 

Disease,  causes  of Ifc 

do.        hereditary  causes  of. 20 

do.       cases  of...     26 

do.        o'  tte  urinary  organs 228 

Diseases  of  the  skin  and  sub-tis- 
sues   274 

Dislocation  of  the  stifle 343 

Distemper 451 

Division  of  tie  flexor  tendons...        tb\f 

Docking  of  the  tail '9fi 

Dropsy  of  the  brain 60 

do.     of  the  abdomen  or  chest ^^ 

Dropsical  limbs ^8" 

Dun,  F.  on   causes  of  hereditary 

d'''ease 2U 

£ 

Education,  importance  of. 82 

Elbow  tumor 821 

Encephalitis 76 

Enteritis 201 

Enlargement  of  the  thyroid  glanas.  108 

Epilepsy 66 

Epiglottis,  spasm  of 90 

Epizootic  catarrh 106 

Equine  chorea,  or  sti'inghalt 81 

Experiments  by  M.  Magendie  on 
the  brain  and  nervous  sys- 
tem      88 

Experiments  on  the  itch  insftot 27' 

Eye,  diseases  of 40 

do.    films  or  specks  on 44 

do.    catnract  of  the 46 

do.   worm  within ....     46 

do.   acute  disease  of. 46 

do.  common  inflammation  of 4(. 

do.   hooks  of 46 

do.    treatment     of     inflammation 

(Copeman  on) 47 

do.   purulent  ophthalmia  of... 66 

do.   periodical  inflammation  of....     66 
Eyelids,  foreign  bodies  within 44 


INDEX. 


439 


F  PA0E8 

Fawv 156 

FaTer  typhus 110 

do.     cftibiincular 206 

do.     scarlet 288 

do.     in  feet 850 

films  or  specks  on  the  eye 44 

iiring 262 

Fistulous  withejs 295 

?ltfl  epileptic. 66 

lo.  hereditary  origin  of 67 

flatulent  colic 189 

Flexor  tendons,  division  of 259 

Food,  eflects  of  various  kinds 137 

do.     quality  required 138 

Foot,  division  of  the  nerves  of 256 

do.    inflammation  and  ulceration 

of  the  bones  of 330 

do.    management  of,  in  the  stable.  409 
Foreign  bodies  within  the  eyelids.     44 

Founder  bleeding  for  the  same 37 

do.         grain 182 

do.         chest  or  water 333 

do.         in  the  feet 850 

Fracture  of  the  pelvis 376 

Functional  disease  of  the  liver 211 

Function  of  the  pancreas 216 

Fundament,  falling  of 387 

Q 

Trailed  back 400 

Oamgoe  on  splenic  apoplexy 206 

Uastritis 178 

(Hddiness,  or  vertigo 74 

Glands,  thyroid,  enlargement  of...   103 

Glanders 147 

do.      congenital 24 

do.      analysis  of  the  blood 25 

do.      can   be  communicated  to 

man 147 

do.      contagiousness  of. 151 

do.      why    the    disease    is    so 

called 155 

Qloss  eye 40 

Ultet,  nasal ..  153 

G'ottis,  spasm  of 90 

Gohier  on  polypus 103 

Goiter 103 

Gorged  or  0Ter*disteuded  stomach.  182 
Grkio  ibander 182 


PA  OH 

Grease 288 

do.    nature  of 23 

do.    transmission  of  from  horse 

to  man 2S6 

Gullet,  opening  of  to  remove  for- 
eign bodies 256 

Gutta  Serena 40 

H 

npematuria 287 

Head,  big 862 

Heart  sac,  inflammation  of. 128 

Heart,  its  circulation 401 

Heaves  126 

Heels,  dise.-ise  of 283 

Hemoirhnge,  cerebral 64 

do.             spinal 65 

Hemorrhoidal  bots 161 

Heniorilioitis,  or  piles 391 

Hereditary  origin  of  epileptic  fits.  66 

do.         causes  of  disease 20 

Herpes 299 

Hip  shot,  or  piuhipped 376 

Hide-bound 299 

Hock,  capped 822 

TTollowback 861 

Hnof,  contraction  of 844 

Hoof-bound 347 

Hooks 46 

Horse  ail 411 

Horses,Tice  on 282 

Hoi  se's  foot,  management  of,  in  the 

stable 409 

Hydrocephalus 30 

I 
Importance  of  ventilating  stables, 
in  view  of  preventing  dis- 
eases of  the  lui.g8 a 

In-and-in  breedinjr    807 

Inflammation,  nat-jcrt  el... S8 

do.  its  DatvifKitreau 

ment 8fi 

do.  treatment  oT.  47 

do  common,  of  the  eye.     46 

do.  periodical,     do.  66 

do.  of  the  brain 76 

do  of  lining  membrane 

of  larynx M 


4i0 


DADD8  VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  STTUQERY. 


PAGES 

laflftmicaticn  of  the  lungs 114 

io.  of  the  pleura 119 

do.  of   the    pericardium 

or  heart  sac 123 

do.  of  the  stomach 178 

do.  of  the  peritoneum.,..  197 

do.  of  the  intestines 201 

do.  of  the  bladiler 224 

do.  of  the  kidneys 223 

do.  and     ulceration     of 

bones  of  the  feet..  330 
dj.  rheumatic,     of     the 

neck  (chords) 335 

iiifaBimivjry  laryngitis 92 

mfiuenra,  or  epizootic  catarrh.    ...  106 
do.        followed   by   acute  dis- 
ease of  the  brain 108 

»> 
Inhalation,   colic   treatca    by   the 

same 196 

tutestinfts,  strangulation  of 205 

do.        inflammation  of. 201 

Intestinal  canal,  parasites  infest- 
ing the 217 

Iodine,  Morton  on 105 

Itch 274,  291 

do.  insect,  experiments  on 277 


/aundice 211 


Kidneys,  inflammation  of 223 

do.        sprain  across 223 

Knees,  sprung..  381 


Lameness  from  Tarious  causes 319 

do         navicular 330 

do.        remarks  on 385 

Laminitis 850 

lAmpas 160 

Laryngitis,    suppurative   and   in- 
flammatory      92 

Lcblanc,  M.,  on  tracheotomy 100 

Legs,  bowed 381 

do.    swelled 287 

Lice  on  horses 282 

Limbs,  dropsical 287 

Lithotomy  method  of  performing..  252 


VABM 

Liver,  functional  disease  of 211 

Locked-jaw 70 

do.        test  or 70 

Lungs,  anatomy  of. ,     90 

do.     function  of ,     88 

io.     inflammation  of 114 

M 

Mad  staggers 7J 

Mil  gendie's  experiments  on  animal*  Sj 

Malignant  typhus 118 

Management  of  the  horse's  foot  in 

the  stable 409 

Mange 274 

Meningitis,  cerebral 77 

do.         Copeman  on 80 

Meteorization  of  the  intestines 18'5 

Morton  on  iodir» 10i5 

N 

Nasal  gleet 168 

Navicular  lameness 33C 

JSavicularthrites 841 

Nephrites. 2L8 

Nervous  system f  B 

Neurotomy,  mode  of  operating 2£6 

Nicking 262 

do.      the  tail 892 

Nitrate  ot  potass,  its  uses 385 

Nostrils,  polypus  within 101 

0 
<)l>jections  to  in-and-in   breeding 

answered 311 

(Esophagotomy 2fi6 

Qlstrus  equi 171 

QJslrus,  hemorrhoidalis.... 178 

Opacity  of  the  cornea 44 

Operations,  surgical 239 

Ophthalmia 16 

do.         purulent 56 

do.         specific... ,.    66 

Osteo  porosis,  known  as  big  head 

and  big  jaw 862 

Out  of  condition 299 

P 

Pancreas  and  its  funotion 216 

Paraplegia U 


INDEX. 


441 


PA0B8 

PkTMites  infeBting  the  inleatinsl 

canal 217 

Patcben  colt,  larjngitia,  case  of....  91 

Pelvis,  fracture  of 376 

Penis,  amputation  of 261 

Peritonitis 197 

Pericarditis 123 

do.        Woodger  on 124 

FeritoiJ'j'um,  inflammation  of. 197 

F  eriosteotomy 258 

Phlebotomy 270 

Phrenitis 77 

Piles,  or  liemorrhoids 391 

Piniiipped,  or  hip  shot... 376 

Pleurisy 119 

do        and  dropsy  of  the  chest, 

case  of. 120 

Pleurodynia,   painful   affection  of 
the   pleura  and  muscles  of 

the  chest 832 

Poll  evil 292 

Pneumonia 114 

Polypus  within  the  nostrils 101 

do.        Chabert  ou 102 

do.        fiohier  en 103 

Pricking  the  tail 392 

Protuse  stalling 229 

Prolapsus  ani  (falling  of  the  fun- 
dament)    387 

Prurigo 291 

Pure  water  needed  by  horses  and 

cattla 398 

Purulent  cpathalmia 65 

Q 

Quantity  of  blood  in  a  horse's  body.  402 

Qaarter  crack 862 

B 

Remarks  on  vsterinary  science....  19 

Remedy  for  tape-worm 221 

Respiratory  organs,  diseases  of...  86 

Retention  of  urine 229 

Rheumatic  inflammation  of  neck...  835 

Rheumatism,  acute 833 

do             chronio... 886 

Ring-bone 887 

Ring-worm 291 

Eo»ring 100 


PAOM 

Rowelling 2M 

Rupture  of  the  bladder ,.  282 

do.      of  the  stomach... 178 

8 

Saliva,  amonnl  of  secretion. 168 

Salivation,  spontaneous  slavering  162 

Sand  crack 862 

Scabies 278 

Scarlatina 288 

Scarlet  fever 28* 

Scratches 288 

Scrofula,  its  predisposition. 24 

Scurvy 297 

Shoulder  blade,  wasting  of  mas* 

cles  of 834 

Siifast 400 

Skin,  diseases  of 278 

do.     warts  on 295 

Slinging,  mode  of 242 

Spasm  of  the  muscles  of  the  glottis 

and  epiglottis 90 

Spasmodic  colic 198 

Spavin 370 

do.      bog 823 

Spicific  ophthalmia 66 

Specks  on  the  eyes 44 

Spinal  hemorrhage 66 

Spine,  disease  and  curvature  of....  861 

Sjilocn,  enlargement  of 208 

Splent 878 

Splenic  apoplexy 206 

Sprung  knees 381 

Stables,  importance  of  ventilating.  86 

Staggers,  Coleman  on 88 

do.       sleepy,  blind,  or  m&d 76 

Stifle  out,  dislocation  of  the  stifle- 
bone 841 

Stocking  287 

Stomachic  hots >....  164 

Stomach,  gorged 152 

do.       inflammation  of 178 

do        rupture  of. 178 

do         staggers 62 

Stone  in  the  bladder 224 

Stringhalt 81 

St.  Vitus's  dance _ 81 

Strangles 411 

do.       eontSKiooaneH  of. 411 


^2 


DAED'B  VETEBINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGIKY. 


PAGES 

^.trasgalation  of  the  intestines 205 

tfapparative  laryngitis 92 

Suppression  of  urine 226 

Eargical  instroments 2<^8 

do.      operations 239 

fiurfeit 286 

away  back 861 

Sweeny 824 

Si^elledlegs , 287 

T 

C»ll,  anatomy  of. 894 

do.    docking  si 895 

do.   nicking 892 

Tape-worm,  remedy  for 221 

Temporary  teeth,  remarks  on 128 

TetKnus 70 

Teeth,  age  of  borse  as  slioirn  by  the  127 

Tetter 299 

The  principles  of  breeding 304 

lliick  water 235 

Thinning  of  blood 39? 

Thorough-pin 828 

Thyroid  glands,  enlargement  of....  103 

loe  sand-crack 854 

Frachealis,  cynancho 95 

fracheotomy 254 

do.  Leblancon 100 

Transfusion  of  blood. 404 

■IHimor  of  the  elbow 821 

do.    removing  of,  from  bone 258 

Twitch,  use  of 239 

^Typhus,  or  typhoid  affections.......  110 

do.       maligiiant Ill 

Tym|  ani  tis 188 

U 
fiteuj  ^rsBM,  lUfieftM  ofl»........  228 


Urination,  profuse 221; 

Urine,  suppression  of 22& 

do.      retention  of 2S9 

do.      albuminous..    23fi 

do.     bloody 287 

Use  and  abus"  of  the  ourry-oomb..  897 


Tapor  bath 114 

Yarix,  or  bog  sparin 828 

Ventilation,  importance  of- 8li 

Vermifuges 221 

Vertigo 74 

Veterinary  science,  remarks  on....     19 
do.         science,  the  relation  it 
bears  to  social  sci- 
ence     27 

do.         science,  how  to  inaugu- 
rate it 80 

do.        education,  importance 

of 82 


Warts  on  the  skin ~.  296 

Water  founder - 888 

do.    necessity  of  its  parity 898 

Windgalls 879 

Windpipe,  opening  of 254 

Withers,  fistulous 295 

Woodger  on  pericarditis 124 

Worms 217 

Worm  within  the  eye ^...^.     46 

Wounds  penetrating  the  abdominal 

cavity 2Cd 


TellowB. 


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